The Easiest Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Your Family Will Love

Culinary magic happens when honey garlic chicken meets your kitchen creativity.

Succulent proteins dance with sweet and savory notes in this irresistible dish.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Home cooks adore simple recipes that deliver restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

Bold ingredients like fresh garlic and golden honey promise a mouthwatering experience.

Fragrant aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this delectable meal comes together.

Honey Garlic Chicken Pleases With Sticky Sweet Glaze And Tender Texture

• Quick-to-Prepare Weeknight Delight: This honey garlic chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing fast, delicious meals.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a handful of pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic, you can create a mouthwatering dish without complicated shopping or extensive preparation.
• Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory sauce, while home cooks can easily customize the recipe by adjusting spice levels or adding optional thickening techniques.
• One-Pan Convenience: Using a single skillet reduces cleanup time, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style chicken dinner without creating a mountain of dishes to wash afterward.

Items Used In Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that absorbs flavors well, boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Honey, Soy Sauce: Sweet and savory base that creates a glossy, flavorful coating for the chicken, balanced flavor profile.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor and depth to the sauce, fresh cloves recommended for best taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the honey.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking, use extra virgin for better flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances overall seasoning of the dish.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for creating a more luxurious sauce texture.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Optional toppings that add visual appeal, crunch, and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Honey Garlic Chicken Preparation Steps

Step 1: Spice Up The Chicken

Generously sprinkle black pepper over chicken breasts, ensuring an even coating.

Let the chicken rest at room temperature while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Whip Together Flavor Magic

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Freshly minced garlic
• Apple cider vinegar

Whisk ingredients until they create a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Sizzle And Brown The Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown color develops and chicken is fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Transform The Skillet Into Sauce Heaven

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the same skillet.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Optional Sauce Thickening

If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Slowly stir into the simmering sauce to reach desired consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet.

Spoon sauce generously over each piece, ensuring complete coverage.

Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken for added texture and visual appeal.

Serve immediately while hot and sauce is still glossy.

Expert Touches For Honey Garlic Chicken

• For a glossy, restaurant-style sauce, mix cornstarch with water before adding to create a smooth, lump-free consistency that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Let chicken marinate in the honey garlic sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the taste and ensure deeper flavor penetration.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results every single time.
• Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising taste.
• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Honey Garlic Chicken What To Do With Leftovers

• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ideas to Go With Garlic Chicken

• Pair Sweet White Wine: A crisp Riesling or Moscato complements the honey's sweetness and balances the savory garlic notes perfectly.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy white rice absorbs the rich honey garlic sauce, creating a delicious base that enhances each bite of chicken.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots or Brussels sprouts provide a complementary texture and earthy flavor that highlights the chicken's sweet and tangy sauce.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: A light green salad with citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish, adding brightness and refreshing the palate.

Honey Garlic Chicken Flavor Spins

• Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Honey Alternative: Swap honey with sugar-free maple syrup or a monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
• Dairy-Free and Paleo-Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and ensure all ingredients are minimally processed to align with paleo dietary guidelines.
• Air Fryer Version: Cook chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss with prepared honey garlic sauce for a crispy, healthier cooking method.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and can be even more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through since thighs are thicker.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. You’ll need to use gluten-free soy sauce to make it completely gluten-free. Regular soy sauce contains wheat.

• How spicy is this honey garlic chicken?

This recipe isn’t spicy at all. It’s a sweet and savory dish with garlic and honey flavors. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Cook the chicken just before serving to keep it moist and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey garlic chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy, caramelized chicken pieces glazed with a rich sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Cooking and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with freshly ground black pepper, allowing the seasoning to rest and penetrate the meat.
2. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together golden honey, umami-rich soy sauce, pungent minced garlic, and tangy apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
4. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the heated skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown crust, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature signals complete doneness.
5. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to a holding plate, keeping it warm and juicy.
6. Utilize the same skillet to unleash the marinade’s full potential, pouring the honey garlic mixture and bringing it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring periodically to develop rich flavors.
7. For a luxuriously thick sauce, optionally whisk cornstarch with water and fold into the simmering liquid, watching it transform into a glossy coating.
8. Reunite the chicken with the skillet, tenderly basting each piece with the aromatic sauce, allowing the flavors to meld for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal ready to be served immediately.

Notes

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake and make the dish healthier for those watching their sodium levels.
• Swap chicken breasts with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the delicious honey garlic flavor profile.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juice retention and tender meat texture.
• For a gluten-free alternative, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg