If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal, this honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect choice. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a deliciously sticky honey garlic sauce, this dish balances the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad, this honey garlic chicken recipe is a guaranteed hit for family dinners or meal prep!
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together in just 25 minutes. Plus, you can customize it by using chicken thighs or breasts, adjusting the sweetness, or adding a little spice for an extra kick. If you love Asian-inspired flavors but want something simple and homemade, this honey garlic chicken recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again!
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Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Sweet & Savory: The honey adds natural sweetness, while the garlic and soy sauce bring rich umami flavors.
- Juicy & Tender Chicken: Whether you use thighs or breasts, this recipe keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Versatile Serving Options: Goes well with rice, noodles, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.
- One-Pan Recipe: Fewer dishes to wash, making cleanup a breeze.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stays delicious when stored and reheated, making it ideal for lunches or leftovers.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey 🍯 (adds sweetness and caramelization)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 (for rich, aromatic flavor)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (for umami depth)
- ½ tsp ginger (optional, but adds extra warmth)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce into the same skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
✔ For extra juiciness, use chicken thighs! They stay more tender and flavorful compared to chicken breasts. ✔ Want a thicker sauce? Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it into the sauce before adding the chicken. ✔ Prefer baking? Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, basting with the sauce halfway through. ✔ Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a slight heat kick. ✔ Marinate for more flavor! Let the chicken soak in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking for even richer taste.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 1 Chicken Thigh)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes! While chicken thighs are juicier, boneless chicken breasts work well too. Just be careful not to overcook them.
2. How Can I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
3. Can I Make This Dish in the Slow Cooker?
Yes! Simply add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. What Are the Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken?
- Steamed white or brown rice 🍚
- Stir-fried or roasted vegetables 🥦
- Garlic butter noodles 🍜
- Fresh cucumber salad 🥗
5. Can I Freeze This Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes! Allow the chicken to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. It’s incredibly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 25 minutes! Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking dinner for the family, this dish will become a go-to favorite.
Try this recipe tonight and let the sweet and savory flavors take your taste buds on a delicious journey! Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends, and let us know your favorite way to serve honey garlic chicken in the comments below!
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Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet & Savory Perfection!
Description
Tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce—this Honey Garlic Chicken is a must-try! 😋 It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish pairs beautifully with rice and veggies for a satisfying meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients
🔹 Chicken thighs or breasts
🔹 ¼ cup honey 🍯
🔹 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
🔹 ¼ cup soy sauce
🔹 1 tbsp olive oil
🔹 ½ tsp ginger (optional)
🔹 1 tsp cornstarch (optional for thickening)
🔹 Salt & pepper (to taste)
🔹 Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Season chicken with salt & pepper.
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a pan & cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden & cooked through.
3️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, & ginger.
4️⃣ Remove chicken from the pan & pour in the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5️⃣ Return chicken to the pan, coating it in the sticky glaze.
6️⃣ Garnish with green onions & serve warm with rice or veggies! 🍚🥦
Notes
✔ Want a thicker sauce? Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with a little water & stir it in.
✔ For extra juiciness, use chicken thighs!
✔ Prefer baking? Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 1 Chicken Thigh
- Sugar: 20g 1 Chicken Thigh
- Sodium: 800mg 1 Chicken Thigh