Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly simple to whip up, and perfect for any night of the week, Honey Garlic Chicken is a true winner. This recipe balances the sweetness of honey with the savory punch of garlic and soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering glaze that clings perfectly to tender pieces of chicken. Every bite is a harmonious blend of sticky, fragrant, and comforting tastes that feel like a warm hug from your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Honey Garlic Chicken, it will quickly earn a spot among your favorite go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is a fantastic example of how simple pantry staples come together to create an extraordinary meal. Each component plays a crucial role, from the balance of sweet and tangy in the sauce to the tender texture of the perfectly cooked chicken.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce (2 Tbsp): Adds savory depth and a hint of saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 Tbsp): Brings a subtle tang that brightens the sauce and cuts through richness.
- Sriracha (1 tsp): A touch of heat that adds warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- Toasted sesame oil (2 tsp): Imparts a nutty aroma that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Cornstarch (1 Tbsp): Essential for thickening the sauce to a luscious, clingy consistency.
- Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless): The tender protein base that soaks up all the amazing flavors.
- Salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (1/2 tsp): Basic seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Boosts the savory garlic notes in the dish.
- All-purpose flour (2 Tbsp): Helps create a light coating that crisps up beautifully when cooked.
- Olive oil (3 Tbsp): Used for frying chicken to a golden-brown perfection.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Adds richness and helps to mellow the garlic when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic enhances the dish with an aromatic punch you can’t get from powder alone.
- Green onions (2, sliced): The fresh finishing touch that adds color and a mild onion flavor.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This magical blend will become your sauce—it’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy with a glossy finish. Set it aside while you get the chicken ready.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized 1/2 inch pieces for quick, even cooking and easy eating. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor right through the meat. Toss the pieces in all-purpose flour, which will give the chicken a delicate, crispy coating once it hits the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken in Batches
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken to the pan, spreading it out so it cooks evenly. Let it brown on all sides and cook through, then transfer to a plate. Add the remaining oil and repeat with the second batch. This method ensures each piece has that perfect golden crust while staying juicy inside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits left behind for extra flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. The butter softens the garlic’s edge, creating a beautifully mellow base for the sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Sauce
Give the prepared sauce a quick stir and pour it into the skillet with the garlic. Use a spatula to scrape off any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes to activate the cornstarch, thickening it into a shiny, sticky glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return all of the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the rich honey garlic sauce. Stir to ensure every piece is fully coated with that delicious glaze. Allow it to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the chicken reheats and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Green Onions
Once off the heat, sprinkle the sliced green onions over the chicken for a fresh, crisp contrast in texture and flavor. Now your Honey Garlic Chicken is ready to be savored!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a classic choice, adding a pop of green color and a mild onion bite. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and nuttiness, or a few red pepper flakes if you like an added kick of heat to accentuate the Honey Garlic Chicken’s flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or fragrant jasmine rice to soak up every bit of the delectable sauce. For a well-rounded meal, serve alongside steamed broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw to add a fresh, crunchy dimension.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Honey Garlic Chicken wrapped in warm lettuce leaves for a light, handheld option. Or pile it over a bed of noodles and drizzle extra sauce on top for a comforting, one-bowl dinner. You can even turn it into a salad topping for a protein-packed lunch full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce holds up well, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful for easy reheating during busy days.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or additional soy sauce to loosen the glaze. This prevents the sauce from drying out and keeps the chicken tender and juicy, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor, making your Honey Garlic Chicken even more indulgent. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch for coating the chicken. Also, make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
While the traditional Honey Garlic Chicken uses chicken, you can replace the protein with firm tofu or tempeh. Just press and cube the tofu, then follow the same cooking steps for a delicious plant-based version.
How spicy is the Honey Garlic Chicken?
The sriracha adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce the amount or omit it entirely. Conversely, add more if you like things extra spicy!
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken is fantastic served over rice or noodles, stirred into a salad, or used as a filling in wraps or sandwiches for a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about Honey Garlic Chicken that makes it a staple in my kitchen. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress your loved ones. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken, and I promise it won’t take long before it’s requested again and again.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This honey garlic chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful, sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of heat from sriracha. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a crispy exterior and a tender inside.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
Chicken Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1/2 inch pieces. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then toss in flour to coat each piece evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Cook half the chicken until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Add remaining 1 Tbsp oil and cook the second batch similarly. Set all chicken aside.
- Sauté garlic: Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter to the skillet, then minced garlic. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the sauce: Stir the sauce again and pour into the skillet. Stir to combine and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, stir to coat with sauce, and cook another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for coating the chicken.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, Asian chicken, sweet and savory chicken, quick dinner
