Honey Garlic Chicken – A Sweet and Savory Delight

here’s something magical about the combination of honey and garlic. The sweet, sticky glaze paired with the deep, rich flavor of garlic creates a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent. This Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a household favorite—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a special weekend meal.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan had everyone peeking into the kitchen, impatiently waiting for dinner to be served. When the chicken hit the pan, coated in that glossy, caramelized sauce, it was love at first bite. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, yet tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.

Whether you’re looking for an easy meal prep option, a quick dinner that feels special, or a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love, this Honey Garlic Chicken is the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples you probably already have.
• Versatile – Pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies.
• Irresistible Sauce – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.
• Kid-Friendly – The sweet honey glaze makes it a hit with little ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple seasoning adds depth to the flavor before we coat it in the sauce. Lightly dust the chicken with cornstarch—this helps create a slightly crispy texture and allows the sauce to stick beautifully.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. If using thicker pieces, lower the heat slightly and cook a bit longer to ensure the inside is tender and juicy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir well, letting the sauce simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan, tossing it gently in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to cling to the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately with fluffy rice, steamed veggies, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – While chicken breasts work great, thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy.
• Don’t Skip the Cornstarch – It helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly and add a little more soy sauce.
• Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
• Double the Sauce – If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice, simply double the sauce ingredients.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

Notes

• For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce.
• If you want extra crispiness, you can lightly dredge the chicken in more cornstarch before searing.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well. Just increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat them together when ready to serve.

What can I serve this with?

Rice, quinoa, noodles, or even roasted vegetables all pair wonderfully with this dish.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free.

Can I air-fry the chicken?

Yes! Coat the chicken with a little oil and cook it in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, toss it in the sauce before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without garnish) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Honey Garlic Chicken, you might also enjoy:

• Better-Than-Takeout Bourbon Chicken (Without Alcohol!)

• Irresistible Korean Popcorn Chicken

• Spicy Honey Ginger Chicken Bowls with Yum Yum Sauce

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and unbelievably delicious sauce, it’s a meal that fits perfectly into any busy schedule while still feeling like a treat.

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