Honey Garlic Chicken

The honey garlic chicken is a dish that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma—sweet, savory, and just a hint of something rich and comforting. It’s that kind of meal where you can’t help but take a deep breath and smile as the golden-brown chicken sizzles away, crisping up in the pan. The sauce, with its perfect balance of honey’s natural sweetness and the garlic’s depth, coats the chicken just right. Each bite is a little burst of flavor that’s never too overpowering, but always just enough to make you want another piece.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is its versatility. You can make it with boneless chicken breasts for a lighter meal or use thighs for something more juicy and tender. It’s one of those dishes that can easily go from a weeknight dinner to a special weekend treat. And don’t even get me started on the leftovers. The sauce soaks into the chicken overnight, creating even more of those irresistible flavors the next day.

What I love most about this honey garlic chicken is how approachable it is—no fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Plus, the combination of honey and garlic is practically a match made in heaven. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a delightful surprise. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself making over and over again, and each time, it’s just as delicious as the last. And the best part? You’ll always get compliments. Trust me.

Key Ingredients in Honey Garlic Chicken

The magic behind this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in creating that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a little bit of heat. Let’s take a look at the key ingredients that make this honey garlic chicken irresistible.

• Chicken Breasts
  A lean protein that cooks up tender and juicy, forming the perfect base for the sweet and savory sauce to cling to.
• Olive Oil
  Used to sear the chicken, it helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the meat moist.
• Salt
  Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and helps balance the sweetness of the honey in the sauce.
• Black Pepper
  Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish, complementing the other bold flavors without overpowering them.
• Cornstarch
  When mixed with water, it helps thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy, clingy texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Honey
  The star of the dish, honey adds the natural sweetness that balances out the garlic and soy sauce. It also helps create that lovely sticky glaze.
• Soy Sauce
  A savory, umami-rich base that gives the sauce depth and a touch of saltiness to round out the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic
  The garlic brings that rich, aromatic punch, infusing the sauce with a deliciously savory depth that complements the sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar
  A splash of acidity that brightens the sauce and adds a bit of tang to cut through the richness of the honey and soy sauce.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  A tiny hint of heat that elevates the flavors and adds just the right amount of kick to balance the sweetness.
• Water
  Used to dissolve the cornstarch and adjust the sauce’s consistency, ensuring it’s smooth and coats the chicken beautifully.
• Green Onions
  For a fresh, crisp topping that adds a little color and a mild onion flavor, enhancing the dish’s overall taste and presentation.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

STEP 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the chicken’s flavor and help the seasoning stick as it cooks.

STEP 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

STEP 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but not burned. Add 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir everything together to combine.

STEP 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry. Pour the slurry into the sauce and stir. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become glossy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more water to adjust the consistency.

STEP 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully coated and warmed through. The sauce should be thick and sticky, clinging to the chicken beautifully.

STEP 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is coated in that delicious honey garlic sauce, sprinkle the top with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, like rice, vegetables, or a simple salad. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful, irresistible meal!

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Over Steamed Rice
  There’s something magical about honey garlic chicken paired with a fluffy bed of steamed rice. The rice soaks up that sticky, flavorful sauce, creating the perfect bite every time. It’s simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious—plus, it’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss a drop of that sauce.
• With Roasted Veggies
  The sweetness of the honey garlic sauce complements the earthy, caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables beautifully. Think roasted carrots, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes. The balance of textures and flavors makes this meal feel extra special and wholesome.
• In a Lettuce Wrap
  For a lighter twist, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, fresh way to enjoy this dish. Top with some slaw or shredded cabbage, drizzle with a little extra sauce, and you’ve got a delightful handheld meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

What do you think? Have you tried any fun twists with honey garlic chicken before? I’d love to hear your take on it!

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (trust me, you will be), storing your honey garlic chicken properly is key to keeping all those incredible flavors intact. After it’s cooled down a bit, you’ll want to store it in an airtight container. This helps preserve the moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooled before you pop it in the fridge—hot food can cause condensation, which could make the sauce less sticky and flavorful.

If you’re planning to enjoy the leftovers within a few days, simply keep them in the fridge. Honey garlic chicken stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored this way. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can even add a little splash of water or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much.

Now, if you’re looking to extend the life of your chicken even further, you can freeze it. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. It’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The sauce might separate a bit after freezing, but a quick stir while reheating will bring it all back together beautifully.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! This honey garlic chicken recipe is everything you could want in a dish—simple, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious. From the perfectly seared chicken to that sweet and savory sauce that clings to each bite, it’s a meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a winner.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little cooking journey with me. Don’t forget to save the recipe for those times when you’re craving something comforting and tasty! And hey, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Have you added any of your own twists to the recipe? Or maybe you’ve got a question or two about the process? Drop me a comment below—let’s chat!

Print Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender, juicy chicken glazed in a rich, sweet honey sauce with a savory garlic kick. The perfect balance of flavors—sticky, savory, and slightly sweet—makes every bite irresistible. A comforting dish that’s sure to please any palate!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 pounds chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• ¹⁄₄ cup soy sauce

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the heated skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring to combine.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water together to create a slurry.
8. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while continuously stirring the sauce.
9. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency.
10. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the sauce.
11. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
12. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the chicken.
13. Serve the honey garlic chicken immediately, spooning extra sauce from the skillet over the top.

Note

• For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the honey, soy sauce, and garlic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
• To adjust the spice level, increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on preference.
• If you don't have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
• For a thicker glaze, you can add a little more cornstarch to the slurry.
• Serve the dish with steamed rice or vegetables to balance the sweetness of the sauce.

Keywords: honey garlic chicken recipe, easy honey garlic chicken, honey garlic chicken dinner, garlic chicken with honey glaze, sticky honey garlic chicken