Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously simple yet flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the bold taste of garlic and soy sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy meal to impress guests. This dish is packed with savory goodness, and it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients that you likely already have at home. The chicken is coated in a sticky glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The honey gives the chicken a rich sweetness, while the garlic and soy sauce add a savory depth. The dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights, and it pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or noodles. Whether you’re cooking for the family or hosting guests, this Honey Garlic Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh green onions (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger (if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If desired, thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with water and adding it to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more flavorful option, though this will require longer cooking time.
- Honey Alternatives: Try maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a one-pan meal.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a bit of water or broth to keep the sauce moist.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in cuts will take longer to cook through.
Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and finish with the pre-made sauce.
How can I thicken the sauce?
You can thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with water to create a slurry and adding it to the pan. Simmer for a few minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use chicken wings?
Absolutely! Chicken wings work wonderfully for this recipe, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time based on their size.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice for a tangy twist.
What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha or chili paste to ramp up the heat.
Can I freeze leftover Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container and reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly coats the chicken. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s flexible enough to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it a great option for any occasion.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that combines sweet honey with savory garlic and soy sauce. This flavorful, quick-to-make recipe is perfect for busy nights, and can be served with rice, vegetables, or noodles. Enjoy a mouthwatering glaze on perfectly seared chicken breasts or thighs, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger (if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s coated in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If desired, thicken the sauce by mixing cornstarch with water and adding it to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to make this a one-pan meal.
- For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
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