Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

A Sweet and Savory Delight

Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. This dish features tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy honey-garlic sauce, providing a delightful mix of flavors. Whether served over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables, it’s an easy and delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it budget-friendly.
• Versatile: Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even drumsticks.
• Restaurant-Quality: The homemade honey garlic sauce is packed with flavor, rivaling any takeout.

---

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ¼ cup cornstarch (for coating)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for thickening)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• In a bowl, season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch to coat evenly. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

• In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine and Serve

• Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce.
• Let everything simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, then serve hot over rice or noodles.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or even pork in place of chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Extra Crunch: Coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
• Spicier Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use cauliflower or mushrooms instead of chicken.

---

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

---

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. Also, avoid overcooking by removing the chicken as soon as it’s done.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Coat the chicken in cornstarch, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, noodles, or steamed vegetables like broccoli and bok choy.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer?

Yes! Toss the cornstarch-coated chicken in a little oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Increase the amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and simmer the sauce a bit longer.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste for heat.

Can I use pre-minced garlic and ginger?

Fresh is best, but pre-minced garlic and ginger can work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of pre-minced ginger and 1 ½ teaspoons of pre-minced garlic.

What oil should I use for frying?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work best.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use less honey, opt for low-sodium soy sauce, and pan-fry instead of deep-frying the chicken.

---

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With its perfect balance of sweetness, umami, and a hint of garlic, this meal is bound to become a favorite. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside veggies, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!

Print