Honey Garlic Chicken is a classic dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just looking for a quick, satisfying meal, Honey Garlic Chicken delivers every time. The combination of tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce is what makes Honey Garlic Chicken so popular. With its minimal ingredients and quick cook time, this recipe ensures you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home, even on the busiest weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for those busy nights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. You can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory sauce that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of dish that leaves everyone reaching for seconds!
Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients for this recipe. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge, making it an easy go-to dish when you’re short on groceries.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside a fresh salad. You can also make this recipe with chicken thighs, breasts, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4 pieces): Cut into bite-sized chunks. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well and offer a juicier result.
Honey (⅓ cup): This adds sweetness and helps create that sticky, delicious sauce that coats the chicken.
Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Adds a salty, umami flavor to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the show, garlic infuses the dish with its rich, aromatic flavor.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Used to thicken the sauce and create that perfect glaze that clings to the chicken.
Water (2 tbsp): Helps dissolve the cornstarch and create the sauce’s base.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken before cooking.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. If using chicken breasts, make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Add the soy sauce, honey, and water to the skillet and stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a tablespoon of water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce starts to thicken and becomes glossy.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until the pieces are fully coated. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce clings to the chicken. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Cooking Tips:

Keep an eye on the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, so be sure to sauté it just until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Adjust the sauce thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little extra cornstarch. If you like it thinner, add a splash more water or soy sauce.
Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure about when your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Helpful Tips:

Double the Sauce: If you like your dishes extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. You can never have too much of that sweet and savory glaze!
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy kick that complements the honey.
Meal Prep Friendly: Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Cook a large batch, divide it into containers with rice or veggies, and you’ve got lunch ready for the next few days.

Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free Adaptable

Notes:

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Substitutes: Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a different protein option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will work, but they will require a longer cooking time. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter option. You can also add steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the sauce before serving.

Storage Instructions:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Related Recipes:

If you loved this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe, here are some other quick and easy meals to try:

Conclusion:

This Easy & Quick Honey Garlic Chicken is a dish you’ll want to add to your weeknight rotation. With its simple ingredients, short cooking time, and universally loved flavors, it’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you still want to put a delicious, homemade meal on the table. The balance of sweet honey and savory garlic is truly irresistible, making it a favorite among kids and adults alike. Try it once, and you’ll be coming back for more!

Honey Garlic Chicken

Author: Charlotte

Print Recipe

Description

Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect dish for busy weeknights. It’s a simple, flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the boldness of garlic, creating a delicious sticky sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4 pieces): Cut into bite-sized chunks. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well and offer a juicier result.
Honey (⅓ cup): This adds sweetness and helps create that sticky, delicious sauce that coats the chicken.
Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Adds a salty, umami flavor to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the show, garlic infuses the dish with its rich, aromatic flavor.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp): Used to thicken the sauce and create that perfect glaze that clings to the chicken.
Water (2 tbsp): Helps dissolve the cornstarch and create the sauce’s base.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken before cooking.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. If using chicken breasts, make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Add the soy sauce, honey, and water to the skillet and stir to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and a tablespoon of water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce starts to thicken and becomes glossy.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until the pieces are fully coated. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce clings to the chicken. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Notes

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Substitutes: Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a different protein option.