Craving a quick and flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes? This Honey Garlic Chicken is your answer! Tender pieces of chicken are tossed in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce that’s downright addictive. It’s a fast and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Big Flavor: The sweet honey, bold garlic, and savory soy sauce create a crave-worthy balance.
- Customizable: Serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies—and swap the protein if you’d like!
- Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and perfect for even picky eaters.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch – helps the chicken get crispy and the sauce thicken
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – or olive oil for cooking
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil – optional but adds a nutty aroma
- ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional for a kick)
- Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish
👉 Exact measurements and printable recipe card below!
👩🍳 How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into chunks and pat dry. Toss with cornstarch in a bowl until well coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In the same pan, lower the heat and sauté garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Pour into the skillet and let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sticky sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything is glossy and hot. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
🌟 Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic – Keep the heat low when sautéing.
- Double the Sauce if you love extra to spoon over rice or veggies.
- Make Ahead – This dish stores and reheats beautifully!
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, pork, or tofu for a twist.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even zucchini go great in this dish.
🍚 What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
This sweet and savory dish pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Lo mein noodles or soba
- Roasted or stir-fried vegetables
- A simple side salad with sesame vinaigrette
🥡 Storage & Reheating
- To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
❓FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
Is it kid-friendly?
Definitely! Kids love the sweetness. Just skip the spice for little ones.
Can I prep it ahead?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I double the sauce?
Go for it! More sauce = more joy. Perfect for drizzling over rice or veggies.
⭐ Recipe Recap
Sweet, sticky, and irresistibly garlicky, this Honey Garlic Chicken is a go-to dinner you’ll come back to again and again. With juicy chicken, pantry-staple ingredients, and a sauce that coats every bite, it’s comfort food made easy.
📌 Save It, Try It, Share It!
Love this recipe? Don’t forget to save it for later, pin it to your dinner board, and share it with a friend who needs a new weeknight favorite. 🍯🐔