Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

A Sweet and Savory Delight

Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making it a favorite for family dinners or meal prep. This dish features tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully. Whether served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Few Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
• Customizable – Can be made with chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In the same pan, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring to combine.
3. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
2. Slowly add the slurry to the sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce.
2. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
4. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Crispy Version – Dredge the chicken in cornstarch before frying for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Slow Cooker Version – Add all ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Stir in slurry at the end to thicken.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 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 in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this dish keto-friendly?

Use a sugar-free honey substitute and swap cornstarch for xanthan gum to reduce carbs.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Bone-in thighs take about 25-30 minutes to cook through.

What side dishes go well with Honey Garlic Chicken?

Serve with jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried vegetables, or even a side of roasted potatoes.

Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then toss it in the sauce.

How can I prevent the sauce from burning?

Cook the sauce over low to medium heat and stir frequently. If it thickens too quickly, add a splash of water.

Can I make this with tofu or shrimp?

Absolutely! Use firm tofu or shrimp and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Shrimp cooks in just 3-4 minutes.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Maple syrup provides a more caramel-like sweetness.

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts helps retain moisture. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to loosen the consistency.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With its balance of sweet and savory flavors, simple ingredients, and quick preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it with different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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