Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors, with tender, juicy chicken smothered in a sticky glaze that’s downright irresistible. This dish is a household favorite because it’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Imagine biting into juicy chicken coated in a sweet honey and garlic sauce, with just a hint of soy for that umami balance. Whether you serve it with rice or vegetables, this recipe is bound to satisfy everyone at the table.
Growing up, my family loved meals that balanced sweet and savory notes. This Honey Garlic Chicken became a regular, especially on busy weeknights. It’s a dish that’s not just easy to throw together, but it also feels like a treat. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike. The combination of garlic and honey is a match made in heaven. Plus, the smell of garlic cooking in a pan is something that always makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so no need for a last-minute grocery store run.
- Customizable: Whether you want it spicier, sweeter, or with a different protein, this recipe can easily be tweaked to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken tastes just as good reheated, so it’s great for lunches the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
- How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This helps to ensure the meat is flavorful all the way through.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear each side for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wash it—those browned bits add flavor!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should start to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss the chicken around to ensure every piece is well-coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and drizzle the remaining sauce over it. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips:
- Spice it Up: If you want a little heat to balance the sweetness, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you’re making the sauce.
- For Juicier Chicken: Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts. They stay juicy and tender, even if you cook them a little longer.
- Make it Crispy: For an extra bit of texture, you can dredge the chicken in a light coating of flour before searing. This will give the outside a slight crispiness.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra sauce to drizzle over your side dishes or use in meal preps throughout the week!
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce)
Notes:
- Cornstarch for Thickness: While cornstarch isn’t necessary, it’s a great way to thicken the sauce to a more glaze-like consistency.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free alternatives.
- Marinating: For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, honey, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 27g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you want a more tender and flavorful cut of meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, you can! After searing the chicken on the stovetop, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes to finish cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but you can add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it up.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can microwave it or heat it gently in a skillet. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water to loosen it back up. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Honey Garlic Chicken, here are a few more sweet and savory recipes you might enjoy:
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With its perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and rich garlic, it’s hard not to fall in love. Plus, it’s a dish that comes together quickly without any complicated steps, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this recipe is guaranteed to win over everyone at the table!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors, with tender, juicy chicken smothered in a sticky glaze that’s downright irresistible. This dish is a household favorite because it’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Imagine biting into juicy chicken coated in a sweet honey and garlic sauce, with just a hint of soy for that umami balance. Whether you serve it with rice or vegetables, this recipe is bound to satisfy everyone at the table.
Growing up, my family loved meals that balanced sweet and savory notes. This Honey Garlic Chicken became a regular, especially on busy weeknights. It’s a dish that’s not just easy to throw together, but it also feels like a treat. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike. The combination of garlic and honey is a match made in heaven. Plus, the smell of garlic cooking in a pan is something that always makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This helps to ensure the meat is flavorful all the way through.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear each side for 5-6 minutes until they are golden brown and fully cooked. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wash it—those browned bits add flavor!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. The sauce should start to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss the chicken around to ensure every piece is well-coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and drizzle the remaining sauce over it. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot with steamed rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
Notes
- Cornstarch for Thickness: While cornstarch isn’t necessary, it’s a great way to thicken the sauce to a more glaze-like consistency.
- Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, which are both gluten-free alternatives.
- Marinating: For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, honey, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water (optional, for sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
