Honey Garlic Chicken Quick Easy
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.
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.