Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory kick of garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for extra sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with a paper towel and season lightly with black pepper. - Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - Simmer the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour the prepared sauce. If using chicken broth for more sauce, add it now. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently. - Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
For a thicker sauce, dissolve cornstarch in a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened. - Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. - Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Honey Garlic Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh salad.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken works well but will require a longer cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can use coconut aminos or tamari as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
3. How can I make the dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
4. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Bake the chicken at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, then pour the sauce over it during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe!
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sticky! Juicy chicken thighs or breasts are glazed with a flavorful sauce made with honey, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s great for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
For Garnish (optional):
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar (if using). Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Combine:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
- Serve:
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir it into the sauce.