Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Delicious
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those recipes that instantly becomes a family favorite. Sweet, sticky honey perfectly balances the deep, aromatic flavor of garlic, creating a sauce that clings to tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress both visually and on the taste buds.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking method, Honey Garlic Chicken brings restaurant-quality flavor into your home kitchen without the fuss. The combination of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors makes it versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making every meal satisfying and well-rounded.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients make 4 servings. Calories are approximate and may vary depending on brand and portion sizes.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1½ lbs (4 medium) | 660 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | 20 |
| Honey | ¼ cup | 260 |
| Soy sauce (low sodium) | ¼ cup | 30 |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon | 3 |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon | 10 |
| Water | 2 tablespoons | 0 |
| Green onions, chopped (optional) | 2 tablespoons | 5 |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 teaspoon | 15 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Cut into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking. - Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside. - Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Mix honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl, then pour into the pan. - Thicken the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. - Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat thoroughly with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to ensure everything is heated evenly. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of rice or vegetables.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce honey for a less sweet sauce or add a touch of brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- Add Heat: Include a pinch of crushed red pepper or sriracha for a mild kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir-fry bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas with the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~281 |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Sodium | 410 mg (varies by soy sauce) |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice.
- Pair with noodles tossed in sesame oil and vegetables.
- Accompany with roasted or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced plate.
- Use as a filling for wraps, lettuce cups, or tacos.
- Drizzle extra honey garlic sauce on top for a more decadent meal.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Delicious
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes281
kcalIngredients
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 medium)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
- Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add to the sauce and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return chicken to skillet, toss to coat evenly with the sauce, and cook another 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over rice or vegetables.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Modify the honey amount to suit your taste; less for a milder sweetness, more for a richer glaze.
Chicken Options: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add fresh garnish just before serving for best results.
2. Is Honey Garlic Chicken healthy?
Yes! This recipe is high in protein, moderate in calories, and can be made with low-sodium soy sauce. Using olive oil and fresh garlic adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
4. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure any additional sauces or ingredients are also gluten-free.
5. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can be stir-fried alongside the chicken to make it a complete, one-pan meal.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet irresistible dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce, it’s a recipe that works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual dinner parties. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and irresistible taste make it a must-have recipe in your culinary repertoire. Once you try it, Honey Garlic Chicken is sure to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
