Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner: quick, delicious, and packed with bold flavor. Juicy chicken is coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory sauce made from pantry staples, making this dish not only budget-friendly but also irresistibly good. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect meal to serve over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: All you need are a few common pantry staples.

• Fast and Easy: From pan to plate in just 30 minutes.

• Versatile: Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

• Flavorful: The sweet honey, pungent garlic, and salty soy sauce create an addictive sauce.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats well for busy weeks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Garlic, minced

• Cornstarch

• Olive oil or butter

• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions and sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole if preferred. Pat dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken
   Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side (or until browned and cooked through if using pieces). Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce
   Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey and soy sauce, mixing until combined.

4. Thicken the Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine and Serve
   Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce until evenly coated. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
   Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Substitutes: Swap chicken for shrimp, pork, or tofu.

• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

• Add Vegetables: Include broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.

• Baked Version: Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. Microwave is also an option for convenience.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until cooked through, then toss it in the sauce.

Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes, the honey makes it sweet and appealing for children. Just avoid adding any spicy ingredients if serving to picky eaters.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. This dish is great with extra sauce, especially if serving with rice or noodles.

Can I use chicken wings or drumsticks?

Yes, but the cooking time will increase. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, this dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.

What kind of soy sauce should I use?

Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.

Can I add ginger to the sauce?

Yes, freshly grated ginger adds a wonderful zest that pairs well with the garlic and honey.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Thaw the chicken completely before cooking for the best results and even searing.

Will this work in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add all ingredients except the cornstarch and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes to thicken.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, tofu or tempeh works well as a substitute for chicken, and the sauce remains just as flavorful.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, easy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something comforting, this dish hits all the right notes. Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables and enjoy a delicious dinner in just 30 minutes.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Skillet, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken is a 30-minute flavor bomb made with tender chicken tossed in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. With just a few pantry staples and one skillet, this easy weeknight dinner is a family favorite. Great for meal prep and perfect with rice, noodles, or veggies!
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy skillet chicken, sweet and savory chicken, sticky chicken sauce

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

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Instructions

• Prep the Chicken:
  Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.

• Sear the Chicken:
  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

• Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
  Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey and soy sauce; stir well.

• Thicken the Sauce:
  Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir into sauce and simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.

• Combine and Serve:
  Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

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Notes

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

• Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

• Toss in steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a one-pan meal.

• To bake: Cook chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, then toss with sauce in a skillet.