Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those foolproof recipes that always delivers. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich honey garlic sauce. Whether served over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or tucked into a sandwich, this dish is always a hit at my dinner table.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can make it in a skillet, slow cooker, or even air fryer, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to be juicier, chicken breasts work just as well. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: No, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like a little heat.
Q: Can I make this in the slow cooker?
A: Yes! Simply add the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Q: What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
A: It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh side salad.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What You Need to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
- Whisk
- Tongs
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
- Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. - Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Stir well to combine. - Simmer the Chicken
Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to coat both sides. - Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pan and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce can make the dish too salty, so opt for low-sodium if possible.
- For Extra Crispiness: Before adding the sauce, remove the chicken from the pan and coat it lightly with cornstarch. Fry for an additional minute per side to get a crispier texture.
- Make It a Meal: Serve with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a side of fried rice for a complete dish.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the honey slightly and add more vinegar for a tangy balance.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe is amazing! The sauce is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. I served it with jasmine rice, and my family loved it!” – Lisa
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy and so delicious. I added a little sriracha for heat, and it turned out perfect.” – Jake
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this in my slow cooker, and it came out fantastic. The chicken was so tender!” – Maria
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Better than takeout! This is going into my weekly dinner rotation for sure.” – Emma
Printable Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken
Tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce—this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil (if using). Stir well to combine.
Simmer the Chicken
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to coat both sides.
Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pan and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.
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