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
Units
Scale
- 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