Looking for a dish that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and downright irresistible? This Honey Garlic Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce, giving you that perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just craving something comforting, this easy recipe will have you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, one pan, and minimal cleanup!
- Packed with Flavor: Sweet honey, tangy soy sauce, and aromatic garlic come together beautifully.
- Versatile: Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even wings!
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make it ahead and reheat—it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this magical chicken dish:
- Chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic (freshly minced for the best flavor)
- Olive oil or butter
- Cornstarch (for thickening the sauce, optional)
Scroll down for the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card!
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. If you’re using larger cuts, consider pounding them lightly for even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and a splash of water or chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cover with a lid. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for another 1–2 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to get that perfect sear.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to add more or less honey depending on your taste.
- Use Fresh Garlic: It makes all the difference in flavor—skip the jarred stuff if possible.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken, and the sauce works just as well!
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Citrus Kick: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Fluffy Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all that sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
- Noodles: Toss the chicken and sauce with stir-fried noodles for a quick Asian-inspired dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Let the chicken cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well, just be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy.
2. Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Sure! Sear the chicken first, then transfer it to the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, spooning the sauce over it as it bakes.
3. What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Tamari, coconut aminos, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce can be used as substitutes.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when stored, making it great for meal prep.
In Conclusion
This Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is proof that a simple dish can be packed with flavor. With its sticky-sweet sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dinner that feels fancy but is easy enough for any night of the week. Try it out, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear all about it!
Print
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes
- Total Time: 25minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze that’s bursting with flavor. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the honey garlic sauce:
- 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil (if using), and chili flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Coat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and add it to the sauce while simmering.
- This dish can also be baked. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg