Honey Garlic Chicken

I just whipped up a batch of honey garlic chicken, and it’s a true flavor explosion! 

There’s something magical about how the sweet honey and savory garlic come together. It’s my go-to when I want a delicious meal without hours of cooking. 

The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water!

It’s also extremely versatile. Sometimes, I’ll use chicken breasts, and other times, thighs. It always turns out delicious. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken

Quick Prep: This 30-minute recipe requires minimal prep and common pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but want something tasty.

Taste Symphony: The blend of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a perfectly balanced dish. It hits all the right notes without overwhelming the palate.

Sauce Magic: The sticky, glossy sauce reduces to coat each piece of chicken beautifully. It’s not just delicious but also incredibly gorgeous with its appetizing sheen.

Budget-Friendly: This recipe is made with pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and garlic. It delivers high-end flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The tender base. They absorb the flavorful honey-garlic sauce. Thighs provide a juicier (but less tender) option.

• Salt, Black Pepper, & Garlic Powder: The basic seasoning trio enhances the chicken’s natural flavors. Garlic powder adds an extra savory note.

• All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch: It creates a light coating that helps the sauce stick to the chicken. Cornstarch is slightly crispier.

• Honey: It provides natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze. It caramelizes during cooking for a deeper flavor.

• Soy Sauce: It adds umami and saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness. It also provides the finished dish with its rich color.

• Rice Vinegar: It brings acidity to cut through the sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with an intense, aromatic flavor. It’s essential for the signature honey-garlic taste.

• Chicken Stock: The optional liquid creates more sauce. It adds depth and helps maintain moisture while cooking.

• Olive Oil: It’s used for searing the chicken. It creates a golden-brown exterior and prevents sticking.

• Butter: It adds silkiness to the sauce for a more luxurious mouthfeel.

• Garnishes: Green onions add fresh crunch and color. Sesame seeds provide nutty flavor and visual appeal. Red pepper flakes offer optional heat.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

You can easily whip up honey garlic chicken in just five steps.

1. Season and dredge. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the flour or cornstarch in a shallow dish. Then, dredge the chicken pieces in the coating, shaking off the excess. 

2. Make the sauce. Whisk the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. 

3. Sear. Cook the chicken in olive oil heated to medium-high heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then flip, add butter, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. 

4. Simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the sauce. Shake the skillet gently to coat the chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. 

5. Finish and serve. Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with desired garnishes and serve with rice, noodles, or veggies. Enjoy! 

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken is one of my all-time favorite Asian-inspired recipes. As a result, I make it quite often. Over the years, I’ve come up with several good tips. 

• Don’t forget to dry! The seasonings and flour/cornstarch won’t stick well if the chicken is damp. Be sure to pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels for a golden, crispy exterior. 

• Cornstarch is crispier. While flour works well, cornstarch will give you a lighter, crispier coating. 

• Pre-mix the sauce. Whisk the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chicken stock in advance. This allows for even blending and saves time when cooking.

• Work some batch bliss. If your pan is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding lowers the temperature, resulting in less crispy chicken.

• Chop into bites. For easier eating, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces after cooking. Or use chicken tenders instead. These absorb the sauce more evenly.

• Double your pleasure. If you love extra sauce, double the honey-garlic sauce ingredients. It’s great for drizzling over rice or veggies.

• Make it your own. Swap chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu. Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or gochujang for a spicier sauce. You can also toss in vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or sliced bell peppers. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking. Low-sodium soy sauce is another option. 

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken

Typically, honey garlic chicken pairs perfectly with steamed or fried rice. Other tasty options include: 

• Lo mein noodles
• Stir-fried veggies
• Green beans
• Roasted potatoes
• Chinese soups

How to Store

Honey garlic chicken tastes just as good the next day. You just have to store the leftovers properly. 

To Store: Place the chicken in an air-tight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It should remain fresh for 3 to 4 days. 

To Freeze: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for 3 to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees, covered with foil. Add a splash of water or chicken stock and heat until fully warmed. Or use a microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to retain moisture. Heat in short intervals.