Name: Easy Honey Garlic Chicken – Your New Favorite Dinner!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves minced garlic; 110g (1/3 cup) honey; 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); ½ tsp chilli flakes (for garnish); Boiled rice (for serving)

Honey Garlic Chicken – this phrase alone conjures images of a delectable meal, perfectly balanced between savory and sweet. From the moment the aroma of simmering garlic and rich honey fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. I’ve found that few dishes offer such universal appeal and satisfying flavor, making it a true star in countless households around the globe. While its exact origin story might be a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired sweetness and Western weeknight convenience, its rise to culinary fame is undeniable.

Why is Honey Garlic Chicken So Incredibly Beloved?

It’s a masterful blend of flavors: the pungent warmth of fresh garlic, the golden sweetness of honey, and the savory depth of soy sauce, all coating tender pieces of chicken. This creates an irresistible glaze that is both sticky and bursting with umami. People adore this dish not only for its incredible taste and the wonderfully sticky, caramelized texture it achieves but also for its remarkable versatility and ease of preparation. It’s the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough to impress guests.

Whether served over fluffy rice, alongside steamed vegetables, or as a stand-alone protein, this recipe consistently delivers comfort and flavor. Get ready to discover why this delightful combination has become a staple for so many, including myself!

Ingredients:

For the Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil (like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Irresistible Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup honey, my personal favorite is a local wildflower honey for its depth
- 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced (about a 1-inch piece)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, for that extra layer of nutty aroma
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended!):
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready for its transformation into a glorious Honey Garlic Chicken masterpiece. Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and cut them into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Uniformity is key here, as it ensures that every piece cooks evenly, so you don’t end up with some pieces overcooked and others still a little under. I personally lean towards chicken thighs for this recipe because they tend to stay juicier and have a richer flavor, but chicken breasts work wonderfully too, especially if you prefer a leaner option.
Once your chicken is neatly cut, it’s time to pat it dry. This might seem like a small, insignificant step, but trust me, it’s incredibly important. Using paper towels, gently but thoroughly pat all sides of the chicken pieces. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown sear when we cook it. Wet chicken tends to steam rather than sear, which means you miss out on those delicious crispy edges and deep flavors.
After patting dry, place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl and season them simply with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Give them a good toss to ensure every piece is lightly coated. This initial seasoning lays a foundational layer of flavor before we introduce our magnificent honey garlic sauce. This simple step truly elevates the overall taste of our future Honey Garlic Chicken.

Crafting the Honey Garlic Sauce

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: the incredibly flavorful honey garlic sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the liquid ingredients for the sauce. Pour in ½ cup of low-sodium soy sauce. I always opt for low-sodium to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing the other flavors to shine through without being overwhelmed.
Next, add ½ cup of honey. This is where the magic happens, providing that essential sweetness and glossy texture that defines Honey Garlic Chicken. If you have a local honey, I highly recommend it; its unique floral notes can add an extra dimension to the sauce.
Time for the aromatics! Mince your 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic. That’s about 2 tablespoons, and yes, you want that much garlic! It’s a key player in this dish. Then, grate or finely mince 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Fresh ginger truly makes all the difference here, bringing a bright, zesty warmth that dried ginger just can’t replicate. The combination of fresh garlic and ginger creates an intoxicating aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. This ingredient is vital for balancing the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the soy sauce, adding a much-needed tang and brightness to the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a suitable substitute, just know it might impart a slightly different flavor profile.
Don’t forget the secret weapon for an extra layer of flavor: 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. This adds a wonderful nutty depth that elevates the sauce from good to extraordinary. It’s a small amount, but it makes a big impact on the overall aroma and taste of the Honey Garlic Chicken.
In a separate small bowl, prepare your cornstarch slurry. Whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until it’s completely smooth and there are no lumps visible. This step is crucial for thickening our sauce later on, giving it that luxurious, clingy consistency that perfectly coats the chicken. Make sure the water is cold, as hot water can cause the cornstarch to clump.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the bowl with your other sauce ingredients. Whisk everything together vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Set this glorious honey garlic sauce aside, ready to work its magic.

Cooking the Honey Garlic Chicken

Now for the exciting part – cooking our chicken to perfection! Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral cooking oil in a large skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be nice and hot before you add the chicken. A good way to test if it’s ready is to flick a tiny drop of water into the pan; if it sizzles immediately, you’re good to go. Using a large pan is important to ensure enough space for the chicken pieces to sear properly without overcrowding.
Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding will lower the pan’s temperature, causing the chicken to steam instead of getting that beautiful golden-brown crust we’re aiming for. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden-brown and slightly crispy. The goal here isn’t to cook it through entirely, but rather to develop that wonderful seared exterior which adds so much flavor to the final Honey Garlic Chicken.
Once all the chicken has been seared to a lovely golden hue, return all the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Give the honey garlic sauce another quick whisk, just to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom. Then, pour the entire sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. As the sauce heats up, you’ll notice it beginning to thicken. This is the cornstarch doing its job! Stir occasionally, making sure every piece of chicken is getting coated in this luscious sauce. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the chicken is fully cooked through. The sauce should be glossy and cling beautifully to the chicken.
To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). The sauce will be rich, sticky, and wonderfully aromatic. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine at this point, a true testament to the deliciousness of Honey Garlic Chicken being prepared!

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your Honey Garlic Chicken has reached peak deliciousness in the pan, it’s time for the final flourishes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds. I love to lightly toast my sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them; it really brings out their nutty flavor. They add a lovely texture and visual appeal to the dish.
Finally, scatter the thinly sliced green onions over the top. The vibrant green color provides a beautiful contrast to the glossy brown chicken, and their fresh, slightly pungent flavor offers a wonderful counterpoint to the sweet and savory sauce. They add a burst of freshness that really brightens up the entire dish.
Serve your incredible Honey Garlic Chicken immediately! It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or brown rice, which soaks up all that amazing sauce. You could also serve it over noodles or with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but also impressive enough to serve to guests. The sticky, sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors are absolutely irresistible, making this a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every single glorious bite!

I promise you, once you taste this Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a cherished staple in so many homes, including my own. It’s that perfect balance of familiar comfort and exciting flavor, making it an undisputed champion in the busy home cook’s arsenal.</p>

Unleash Your Creativity: Variations to Explore! I genuinely believe that once you prepare and taste this dish, you’ll feel that profound sense of satisfaction that comes from cooking a meal everyone at the table absolutely adores. This recipe consistently delivers on that promise of delightful flavors and happy faces. So, please, don’t just scroll past this one – block out an evening this week, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the delightful process of bringing this sweet and savory delight to life. I am genuinely excited for you to experience its magic! And when you do, I would absolutely love, love, love to hear about it! Please come back and share your experiences, your photos, and any wonderful adaptations you tried in the comments below. Did you pair it with something unexpected? What did your family and friends think? Your insights, tips, and culinary adventures inspire not just me, but our entire growing community of food lovers. Let’s celebrate the joy of good food and shared experiences together!</p>