HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN QUICK EASY

Craving something sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible after a long day? Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces glistening with a sticky honey garlic glaze, coating your taste buds in a symphony of flavors. This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is your answer to a quick, easy, and unbelievably satisfying dinner that’s ready in minutes, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp water

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Tools You’ll Need

Don’t worry, you don’t need fancy equipment for this recipe! Here’s a list of the basics:

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This coating helps the chicken get nice and crispy!

Cook the Chicken: Sear to Perfection

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!). You may need to cook in batches.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Magic: The Honey Garlic Sauce

5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sesame oil (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Stir well to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
8. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Combine and Conquer: The Finale!

9. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce.
10. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
11. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken and caramelize slightly.

Garnish and Serve: Presentation Matters

12. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
13. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Success

Chicken Tips:

• Cut Evenly: Ensure your chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Pat Dry: Patting the chicken dry before coating it with cornstarch helps it to crisp up better.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and result in steamed, not seared, chicken.

Sauce Tips:

• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a dash of sriracha.
• Thicken it Up: If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce. Stir until thickened.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice are all great options.
• Noodles: Serve over your favorite noodles, like egg noodles, ramen, or udon. Perhaps even try serving this over Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles!
• Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a colorful stir-fry.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Spice Level:

Control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Vegetables:

Add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken. Bell peppers, onions, and broccoli are all great additions.

Protein:

While this recipe is for chicken, you could easily adapt it for shrimp, tofu, or even pork.

Honey Garlic Chicken: A Healthier Choice?

While Honey Garlic Chicken isn’t necessarily a health food, you can make it healthier by making a few adjustments. Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce the amount of honey, and serve with plenty of vegetables. You could also try baking the chicken instead of pan-frying it to reduce the amount of oil.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead:

You can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in the skillet before adding the chicken.

Storage:

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat.

Freezing:

While the chicken is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. However, the sauce may become a bit watery after thawing. To minimize this, let the chicken cool completely before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

What to do with Leftovers

Besides simply reheating the chicken, get creative! Use leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in lettuce wraps, add it to fried rice, or create a delicious Honey Garlic Chicken sandwich. Thinking about sandwiches, you might also like Garlic Butter Chicken Heaven!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Steamed rice
• Noodles
• Quinoa
• Roasted vegetables
• A fresh salad

For an extra special meal, you can start with some spring rolls or potstickers, followed by this incredible dish. You could even try making Honey Garlic Chicken Mac for a delicious twist!

Other Honey Garlic Recipes to Explore

If you love this flavor combination, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:

• Honey Garlic Chicken Perfection
• Honey Garlic Chicken
• Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can. Chicken breasts will cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Rice vinegar adds a nice tang to the sauce, but you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

Can I add ginger to the sauce?

Absolutely! Freshly grated ginger would be a delicious addition to the honey garlic sauce. Add about 1 teaspoon along with the garlic.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free as written, because of the soy sauce. Use tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, to make it gluten-free.

Final Thoughts: Your Kitchen, Your Rules!

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and having fun! Don’t be afraid to adjust this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe to your liking. Whether you add more spice, swap out the vegetables, or try a different type of protein, the most important thing is that you enjoy the process and create a dish that you love. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Chicken Quick Easy

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze. Ready in minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner.

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

• Large Skillet or Wok
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil optional
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tbsp water
• Sesame seeds optional, for garnish
• Chopped green onions optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sesame oil (if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
• Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce.
• Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
• Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken and caramelize slightly.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
• Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

For a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat. To thicken the sauce further, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce while simmering. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.