Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner, look no further than this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken glazed in a sticky, garlicky sauce with just the right balance of savory and sweet. It’s so easy to make, you’ll want to keep these ingredients handy at all times. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this dish delivers on all fronts: rich flavor, gorgeous color, and satisfaction in every bite—plus, you need minimal prep and cleanup. It’s no wonder this has become one of my most-requested chicken recipes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need much to make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe shine, which is what makes it such a beloved staple in my kitchen. Each ingredient plays its own unique role, adding depth to the sauce or helping you achieve that perfect sear on the chicken. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need—and why it matters.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for thighs if you want juiciness; breasts are perfect for a leaner cut. Both soak up the sauce like a dream.
• Honey: The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and gorgeous gloss to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with bold, aromatic flavor that’s absolutely essential here.
• Soy sauce: Provides a touch of saltiness and incredible umami, balancing the honey perfectly.
• Olive oil: Helps you get a golden crust on the chicken and adds richness to the dish.
• Ginger (optional): Adds a warm, zesty note—fresh ginger is best if you have it on hand, but powdered will work in a pinch.
• Cornstarch (optional for thickening): Perfect for those who love their sauce extra sticky and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t skip this step; it draws out the natural flavors of the chicken before you even start cooking.
• Green onions (optional): A pop of color and fresh flavor—these make the finished dish look restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First things first: pat your chicken dry and generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This not only adds flavor, but also helps the chicken develop a gorgeous, golden brown sear once it hits the hot pan. Trust me, this simple step makes all the difference for your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a good drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your seasoned chicken. Let it cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move it too much—you want that beautiful, caramelized crust! The chicken should be deeply golden and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

While the chicken is sizzling, stir together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger (if using) in a small bowl. The aroma is nothing short of heavenly and will really wake up your taste buds. If you’re craving an extra sticky glaze, this is the stage to whisk in a bit of cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of water.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Once the chicken is done, set it aside on a plate. Pour the honey garlic mixture straight into the same skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom—these bits equal flavor! Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened and glossy. If you added cornstarch, keep an eye on it—it will thicken quickly.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Glaze

Time for the magic! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning each piece to coat it thoroughly in that luscious honey garlic glaze. Let it heat through for another minute or two so the sauce sticks to every nook and cranny. Your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of chopped green onions adds a fresh, bright note and vibrant color that really makes the dish pop. For an extra flourish, try a few toasted sesame seeds or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance those bold flavors. Every little topping is a chance to make your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe uniquely yours.

Side Dishes

Rice is the classic (and for good reason!), as it eagerly soaks up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or roasted carrots add a crisp contrast. You could also serve this with a cold noodle salad or atop a simple bed of mixed greens for something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe into a showstopper by slicing the chicken and fanning it over rice, drizzling extra sauce on top, or piling it into lettuce cups for a handheld treat. For parties, try skewering the glazed chicken pieces as a sweet-savory appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce alongside the chicken so the flavors stay vibrant and the chicken remains tender for the next meal.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best results, try to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce together in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you notice the sauce is a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, just be sure to cover to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in pieces add extra flavor and moisture, though you’ll need to increase the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through. Just keep a close eye and use a meat thermometer for extra peace of mind.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute traditional soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in!

What vegetables go well with honey garlic chicken?

Steamed or roasted broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and bell peppers all complement the savory-sweet sauce perfectly. Quick stir-fried veggies are also a fantastic match.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Sure thing! Arrange the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment, brush with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through. Add the sauce during the last 10 minutes to allow it to caramelize.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

The secret is not to overcook it—whether you use thighs or breasts, monitor them closely and let them rest a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute. The sauce helps lock in moisture, too!

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. It’s fast, full of flavor, and as comforting as it is impressive. I hope you give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone else around your table) will thank you!

Print