Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistibly Sticky
Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. Sweet honey, savory garlic, and a rich soy-based sauce come together to create a glossy, flavor-packed dish that tastes like it took hours—but comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it a family favorite and a reliable go-to for busy weeknights.
This dish works beautifully with chicken thighs or breasts and can be made on the stovetop, in the oven, or even adapted for the slow cooker. The sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that clings to every bite of chicken, making it ideal for serving over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
-
Uses pantry staples
-
Ready in under 30 minutes
-
Sweet and savory flavor everyone loves
-
Easy to customize with spice or vegetables
-
Perfect for meal prep
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or entertaining guests, Honey Garlic Chicken delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Serves 4.
-
1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for crispier chicken)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
-
⅓ cup honey
-
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
-
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
-
½ teaspoon sesame oil
-
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For garnish (optional):
-
Sliced green onions
-
Sesame seeds
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper. If you want a lightly crisp exterior, toss the chicken with cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, water (or broth), vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer and Glaze
Return the chicken to the skillet, turning it to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot and sticky.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce:
-
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
-
Fried rice or lo mein noodles
-
Roasted broccoli or green beans
-
Stir-fried vegetables
-
Mashed potatoes for a comfort-food twist
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
-
Use thighs for juiciness: Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful, but breasts work well if not overcooked.
-
Don’t rush the sauce: Letting it simmer allows it to thicken naturally.
-
Low-sodium soy sauce is key: Regular soy sauce can make the dish overly salty.
-
Adjust sweetness: Add more honey for sweeter sauce or a splash of vinegar for balance.
Variations and Add-Ins
-
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
-
Crispy version: Coat chicken in cornstarch and pan-fry until extra golden before adding sauce.
-
Vegetable-loaded: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the simmer step.
-
Slow cooker option: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, thickening the sauce at the end.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Sweet, Savory Comfort Made Easy
Honey Garlic Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s quick, comforting, and bursting with flavor—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something satisfying without the fuss.