Honey Garlic Chicken

This honey garlic chicken is a sweet and savory meal no one can resist!

Tender chicken is coated in an absolutely delicious sauce made with honey, rice vinegar, and garlic. The aroma alone is enough to make my mouth water every time!

This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave a takeout-worthy feast. I serve this dish with fluffy white rice and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Your whole family will devour this tasty meal!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken

Quick Prep: You can have this chicken recipe ready in 30 minutes or less. 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 garlic creates a perfectly balanced dish. Trust me, it hits all the right notes without being overwhelming.

Sticky Sauce: The sticky, glossy sauce reduces to coat each piece of chicken beautifully. It's a feast for the senses.

Budget-Friendly: This recipe calls for pantry staples like soy sauce, honey, and garlic, so it won't break the bank.

Ingredients You Need

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The tender base. They absorb the flavorful honey-garlic sauce. Sometimes, I use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

• 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: Creates a light coating that helps the sauce stick to the chicken. Cornstarch is slightly crispier.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze. I love how it caramelizes during cooking for a deeper flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness.

• Rice Vinegar: The acidity cuts 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 Broth: Adds depth and helps maintain moisture while cooking.

• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken. It creates a golden-brown exterior and prevents sticking.

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

• Garnishes: Green onions add fresh crunch and color, and sesame seeds provide nutty flavor. I also add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Forget ordering takeout! This restaurant-worthy meal is the perfect thing to make for dinner tonight. Follow my simple steps to make it.

1. SEASON & 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 SAUCE. Whisk the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. 

3. SEAR CHICKEN. Cook the chicken on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until completely cooked and golden.

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

5. FINISH & SERVE. Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with green onions, fresh parsley, and/or toasted sesame seeds. I typically serve this with jasmine rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or veggies. Enjoy! 

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken

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

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

• 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, I chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces after cooking. Or, you can 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

Honey garlic chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or fried rice. Other tasty options include: 

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

How to Store

Leftover honey garlic chicken is perfect to enjoy for lunch or dinner the next day. Here's how I keep it fresh and juicy!

To Store: Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. It will 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. I 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.

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