Craving a dinner that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and oh-so satisfying? This honey garlic chicken is a total winner! The sticky glaze clings to juicy chicken bites, and trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone running to the table. Plus, it’s made in one pan with simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry. Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love easy meals that taste like they came from your favorite takeout spot, this honey garlic chicken is for you! It’s the perfect balance of sticky-sweet and garlicky goodness, all made in under 30 minutes.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for a weeknight win.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more deliciousness.
- Perfectly Balanced: Sweet honey meets savory garlic with a touch of soy sauce magic.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Coating with cornstarch helps create a beautifully crisp exterior.
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for the best punchy flavor.
- For extra crunch, add some toasted sesame seeds at the end!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper—this gives a light, crispy coating.
- Sauté it up: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Glaze time: Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until coated in the sticky glaze.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with rice or veggies!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- For extra crispiness: Let the chicken sit in the cornstarch for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of sriracha!
- No rice vinegar? A splash of apple cider vinegar works too.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Honey Garlic Tofu: Swap chicken for crispy tofu for a plant-based version.
- Shrimp Lover’s Twist: Use shrimp instead of chicken and reduce cooking time.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Side Pairings: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or bok choy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness to this recipe. Just be sure to cook them through until they reach an internal temp of 165°F.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat for the best texture, or microwave in short bursts.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! You can prep the sauce and cut the chicken in advance. When you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together in no time.
Recipe Card
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the sauce, then toss the chicken in until well coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag me on social media with your delicious dinner. Happy cooking! 🍯🍗
