Description
A quick and easy honey garlic chicken recipe featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, if needed)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and ginger to the skillet.
- Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook until thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then brush with sauce.
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Crispy Version: Coat chicken in cornstarch before searing.
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 4 hours, adding sauce halfway through.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken, sweet and savory chicken, Asian chicken recipe