Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that balances the perfect blend of sweet and savory, look no further than Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish has gained immense popularity for its rich, caramelized sauce, tender chicken, and the irresistible combination of honey and garlic that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re a home cook looking for a quick weeknight meal or someone who loves experimenting with flavors, this honey garlic chicken recipe is sure to impress. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every detail, from ingredients and preparation to variations and serving ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: Requires pantry staples you likely already have.
- Versatile: Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and umami soy sauce.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will both love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch (for coating, gives a crispy texture)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey (adds natural sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for robust flavor)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (adds depth and umami)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (balances the sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil (for a hint of nuttiness)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and cut it into even, bite-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until evenly coated. This helps create a crispy texture when fried.
2. Cooking the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the coated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with a paper towel.
3. Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add a touch more oil if needed.
- Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Combining Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat each piece in the glossy, thick sauce.
- Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Garnishing and Serving
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
✔ Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: They stay juicier and more tender than chicken breasts.
✔ Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: Coat the chicken twice in cornstarch for a crunchier texture.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness.
✔ Adjust Sweetness & Saltiness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce honey slightly and add a dash more soy sauce.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this honey garlic chicken recipe is its versatility. Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Instead of boneless chicken, use chicken wings.
- Toss wings in cornstarch and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Coat them in the honey garlic sauce before serving.
2. Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker.
- Mix the sauce ingredients (without cornstarch) and pour over the chicken.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, thicken sauce separately, and mix it back in.
3. Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Toss in sauce before serving.
4. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
- Increase the red pepper flakes or add Sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing the right sides can elevate this dish even further. Here are some ideas:
🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice – A classic and neutral base to absorb the flavorful sauce.
🥦 Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work wonderfully.
🍜 Garlic Butter Noodles – Toss egg noodles in garlic butter for an indulgent side.
🥗 Asian Cabbage Slaw – A refreshing, crunchy contrast to the sticky chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and marinate the chicken a few hours ahead. However, for best texture, fry the chicken fresh before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat to maintain the texture.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use a gluten-free cornstarch.
Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a well-balanced, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Whether you prefer it crispy, slow-cooked, or spicy, this recipe is flexible enough to suit your tastes.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup cornstarch for coating
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat dry and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss chicken in cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to coat evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until well-glazed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free cornstarch.
- Baking Method: Instead of frying, bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Slow Cooker Version: Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.