Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those unbeatable weeknight wonders that’s flavorful, quick to make, and universally adored. This dish features tender chicken coated in an irresistible sauce that combines the sweetness of honey with the savoriness of garlic and soy sauce, balanced by a splash of apple cider vinegar. It’s saucy, versatile, and destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation—trust me, you’ll want to make extra for lunch the next day!

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey Garlic Chicken is how a handful of everyday kitchen staples come together to make something truly irresistible. Each ingredient has a specific role, whether it’s delivering tenderness, adding depth to the sauce, or giving the finished dish its signature gloss.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for thighs for maximum juiciness, or breasts if you prefer a leaner option; both soak up the sauce like a dream.
Salt and black pepper: A pinch of seasoning brings out the best in your chicken before anything else touches the pan.
Olive oil: Gives your chicken a golden sear while keeping things on the lighter side.
Fresh garlic: Minced cloves are the star of the show, infusing the sauce with deep, aromatic flavor.
Honey: The natural sweetness helps caramelize the chicken and lends a beautiful, glossy finish.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overpowering saltiness; perfect for balancing sweet and savory.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash brightens up the sauce and keeps things from getting too heavy or sweet.
Cornstarch & water (optional): Need a thicker, clingier sauce? This quick slurry works wonders.
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): The ultimate garnish for crunch, color, and a fresh finish on every bite.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step is the secret to flavorful, juicy chicken—it helps lock in moisture and ensures every bite is savory from the inside out.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lay the chicken pieces in without crowding the pan. Sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes, letting them develop a deep, delicious crust and cook through. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Toss the minced garlic into the same skillet (no need to wash the pan—those bits at the bottom are pure flavor gold). Sauté the garlic for just about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant, so it doesn’t burn but releases all its magical aroma.

Step 4: Create the Honey Garlic Sauce

Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. At this point, taste and decide if you want to add the cornstarch slurry for a thicker, silkier sauce—simply mix it in and stir until the sauce begins to thicken up.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the bubbling sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top so every piece is coated in that gleaming glaze. Let it all simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. For the grand finale, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken piping hot over fluffy rice, noodles, or tender steamed veggies!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

Garnishes

The right garnish makes Honey Garlic Chicken pop! Sprinkle a handful of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, and a flurry of freshly chopped green onions to brighten up the plate. Don’t be shy—these final touches add both texture and color, making your meal as beautiful as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

Serve this saucy chicken over a steaming bowl of jasmine or basmati rice to soak up every drop of goodness. It’s also fantastic with rice noodles, quinoa, or lightly steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy. Crisp cucumber salad or pickled carrots are a great way to refresh the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Honey Garlic Chicken into a quick stir fry by adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for color and crunch. For an elegant touch, serve over cauliflower rice with an extra ladle of sauce. Or pile the chicken and sauce into a lettuce wrap or inside a warm bao bun for a playful, hand-held option at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce actually gets even tastier as it sits, soaking into the chicken and deepening in flavor, making it a dream for meal prep lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag (with sauce). It’ll be good for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a little space in the container for the sauce to expand (no one likes cleaning freezer spills).

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop in a covered skillet over low to medium heat until warmed through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or extra sauce as needed to keep things nice and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a lean and delicious choice for Honey Garlic Chicken. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so they stay moist and tender—overcooked breasts can dry out quickly. You might want to slightly reduce the searing time, especially for thinner cuts.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Easy fix! Just swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce for the regular variety. Everything else in the recipe is gluten-free already, so no worries there.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the honey garlic sauce a day or two in advance! Simply store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, bring the sauce to room temperature and give it a good stir before adding it to the chicken in the skillet.

What if I prefer a spicier dish?

No problem at all—just add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce before simmering. This little twist offers a pleasant heat that complements the honey and garlic perfectly.

Can I double the amount of sauce?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended if you love extra sauce for drizzling! Just double the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar (and garlic, if you’re a big fan) and prepare as directed. It’s perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a chicken dinner you’ll crave again and again, this Honey Garlic Chicken is sure to win you over. Simple, speedy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, it’s a meal that never fails to impress and keeps everyone at the table happy. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish!

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory taste of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional for thickening)

Garnish:

Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer. If a thicker sauce is desired, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce slightly thickens.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the pieces to coat. Simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

This recipe works well with chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
You can double the sauce if serving over rice or want extra for drizzling.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired