Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken coated in a delicious sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger, optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
-
Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
-
Cook the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
- Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- Mix 2 tsp cornstarch with ¼ cup water to make a slurry.
- Stir into the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
-
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot with rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the honey.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.