Sizzling Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Whipping up a delightful honey garlic chicken recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Savory aromas will soon dance through your kitchen, promising a meal that delights every sense.

Tender chicken pieces glazed with a golden, sweet-and-tangy sauce create an irresistible combination.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Minimal prep work means you can have dinner ready in under thirty minutes.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet honey and robust garlic flavors.

Get ready to become the star chef of your household with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet and Savory Delight

• Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up a delicious main dish in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken recipe adapts easily to different serving styles and can be paired with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Combines sweet honey with savory garlic and umami soy sauce, creating a mouth-watering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup with a single skillet cooking method, making this recipe a dream for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal kitchen mess.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the main protein in this flavorful dish.

• Honey: Sweet natural syrup that adds depth and caramelization to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Salty and umami condiment that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances the sweetness and adds brightness to the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent flavor base.

• Flour: Optional light coating that helps create a crispy exterior on the chicken.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that gives the sauce a glossy and smooth consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Red Pepper Flakes: Optional toppings that add texture, color, and extra flavor to the dish.

• Cooking Oil: Neutral fat used for searing and cooking the chicken to golden perfection.

How to Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken.

If desired, lightly dust the chicken with a thin layer of flour for extra crispiness.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown color and is fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and releases its aromatic essence.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Combine cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry.

Pour this into the simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luscious, glossy consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly coat each piece with the sticky, sweet sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to ensure every inch is covered in flavor.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Red pepper flakes

Serve the chicken warm, ready to delight taste buds and bring smiles to the dinner table.

Tips for Balancing Flavors in Honey Garlic Chicken

• Lightly dust chicken with flour for an extra crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delectable texture.
• Whisk cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on personal preference – sauté briefly for mild flavor or cook longer for deeper, more robust notes.
• Use the same skillet for searing chicken and making sauce to capture all those delicious browned bits for maximum flavor development.
• Replace flour coating with almond flour or skip entirely, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a keto-friendly version.

Variations to Try with Honey Garlic Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace flour with cornstarch or almond flour for a crisp coating that's gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates.
• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat and complex flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Option: Substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining savory depth.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating before cooking to achieve similar texture and absorb the rich honey garlic sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Elegant Dinner Centerpiece: Arrange the honey garlic chicken on a beautiful white platter, surrounded by steamed jasmine rice and roasted seasonal vegetables for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Cozy Family Meal: Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, creating a comforting dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Healthy Bowl Option: Transform the chicken into a nutritious grain bowl by placing it atop quinoa or brown rice, adding fresh cucumber slices, and drizzling extra sauce for maximum flavor.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Slice the chicken and tuck into warm pita bread or wrap with crisp lettuce and extra green onions for a delicious next-day lunch that feels totally fresh.

Storing Honey Garlic Chicken Safely

• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Stir halfway through heating to ensure even temperature.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle additional sauce before serving to refresh flavors.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

FAQs

• Why use a cornstarch slurry in the sauce?

The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce quickly, giving it a glossy, smooth texture and preventing it from becoming watery or thin.

• Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken works well. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe cooking and adjust cooking time accordingly.

• What type of vinegar works best?

Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar are ideal, as they provide a balanced tangy flavor that complements the honey and soy sauce.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer and searing the chicken on medium heat, which helps lock in moisture and create a golden exterior.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken brings together sweet and savory flavors from Chinese-American cuisine. Marinated tender chicken pieces glazed with a rich sauce create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions
• Red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then delicately dust with flour for a crisp exterior.
2. Warm oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a rich golden-brown crust and ensuring thorough cooking. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, gently sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
4. Pour honey, soy sauce, and vinegar into the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow mixture to bubble and create a harmonious blend of flavors.
5. Whisk cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually add to the simmering sauce, continuously stirring until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
6. Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, gently turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the luxurious sauce. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
7. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and optional red pepper flakes for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm and glistening.

Notes

• Flour coating creates a delightful crispy exterior that locks in moisture and helps the sauce cling better to the chicken.
• Use high-quality honey for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
• Balance the sweetness by choosing a robust vinegar like apple cider or rice vinegar to add depth and cut through the honey’s intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg