HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN EASY RECIPE

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken, coated in a shimmering, sweet, and savory glaze that’s bursting with honey and garlic; it’s an irresistible combination that elevates even the simplest weeknight dinner into something special. This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is so easy and delicious, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for heat
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, for garnish

Let’s Talk Chicken – Choosing the Right Cut

Okay, so the heart of any good Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is, of course, the chicken! I usually opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re readily available and cook quickly and evenly. Cutting them into 1-inch cubes helps them absorb all that delicious honey garlic sauce. However, you absolutely can use chicken thighs if you prefer! Thighs will yield a richer flavor, but they might take a little longer to cook. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The Magic of Honey Garlic Sauce

Now, let’s dive into the star of the show: the Honey Garlic Sauce. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that dance on your taste buds. The key is finding the perfect balance between the honey and soy sauce. I always recommend using low-sodium soy sauce so the dish doesn’t become overly salty. And don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s what gives this sauce its signature aroma and flavor! You’ll find that the combination of ingredients makes it one of the greatest Honey Pepper Chicken Irresistible pairings you’ve ever tasted.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes. Set aside. This is your glorious Honey Garlic Sauce!
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan).
2. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.

Combining and Simmering:

1. Pour the Honey Garlic Sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the chicken evenly (about 2-3 minutes). The cornstarch in the sauce will work its magic, creating a beautiful, glossy glaze.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken

Alright, let’s talk tips and tricks to ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken is absolutely perfect every single time. First, don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and results in steamed, rather than browned, chicken. Trust me, browning is key for flavor! I find that this recipe can also be prepped in a Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken as well!

Second, keep a close eye on the sauce as it simmers. The honey can burn easily if the heat is too high. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning. You can adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer. If you like a sweeter sauce, add a touch more honey. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a splash more rice vinegar. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!

Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings

This Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. My go-to is fluffy white rice or brown rice, which soaks up all that delicious sauce. You can also serve it with noodles – think egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. For a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple salad. For a more unique pairing, consider Honey Garlic Sausage Sweet Potatoes as a side!

Variations and Adaptations

Want to mix things up a bit? There are endless ways to customize this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can also add some ginger to the sauce for a warmer, more complex flavor. If you’re not a fan of soy sauce, you can substitute it with tamari or coconut aminos. For a low-carb option, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia in place of the honey. You could even add some veggies directly to the pan – bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms all work wonderfully. This is such a great Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken alternative if you’re looking for something new!

Making it a Honey Soy Garlic Chicken

Sometimes I like to add a little extra oomph to the flavour profile by including a touch more soy sauce. By slightly increasing the amount of soy sauce in the honey garlic sauce, you enhance the savory umami notes and create a Honey Soy Garlic Chicken dish that is simply irresistible. You can adjust the ratio to your taste, but starting with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce should do the trick. Remember to use low-sodium soy sauce to avoid overpowering the dish with salt.

Quick Chicken Meals for Busy Weeknights

Let’s face it, we all have those days when we’re short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal. That’s where quick chicken meals like this Honey Garlic Chicken come to the rescue! This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And because it uses simple, readily available ingredients, you can whip it up even when you’re running low on groceries. It’s a lifesaver, trust me!

Chicken Recipes For Dinner: A Staple for a Reason

Chicken is a staple in so many households for good reason: it’s versatile, affordable, and relatively healthy. Plus, there are endless ways to prepare it! From baked chicken breasts to grilled chicken skewers, the possibilities are truly limitless. This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is just one of the many delicious Chicken Recipes For Dinner that you can add to your repertoire. So, go ahead and give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, in my experience!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken is also great in salads, sandwiches, or even as a topping for pizza!

Conclusion

There you have it! My ultimate guide to making the most delicious and easiest Honey Garlic Chicken. This recipe is truly a winner, and I know you’re going to love it. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful and satisfying dish. Happy cooking, my friend!

Honey Garlic Chicken

Alice Yowell

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken cubes coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Large Skillet or Wok
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
• Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.
• Pour the Honey Garlic Sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the chicken evenly (about 2-3 minutes).
• Remove the skillet from the heat.
• Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
• Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken. Stir the sauce constantly while simmering to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha. For a sweeter sauce, add more honey. You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For a low-carb option, use a sugar substitute in place of honey.