Looking for a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors? This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is exactly what you need! Tender chicken is cooked to perfection and coated in a rich sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and just a hint of spice. It’s an irresistible combination that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Best of all, it’s easy to make, making it a great option for a weeknight meal or a special dinner. Read on to learn how to make this delicious dish!

What Is Honey Garlic Chicken?
Honey Garlic Chicken is a popular dish that features juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The sweetness of the honey balances perfectly with the savory and slightly tangy soy sauce, while the garlic adds depth to the overall flavor. You can serve this dish with a variety of sides such as rice, vegetables, or noodles, making it a versatile and family-friendly option for dinner.
Ingredients List for Honey Garlic Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Chicken thighs: For juicier meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Vegetarian option: You can substitute tofu for chicken, using the same sauce for a tasty vegetarian meal.
- Spicy honey garlic: Add more red pepper flakes or even sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this dish gluten-free.
- Honey garlic wings: Use chicken wings instead of breasts for a fun, finger-food alternative. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started on making this flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken! Follow these simple steps to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time.
How to Cook Honey Garlic Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- If you'd like a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional minute or two until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine and Glaze the Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the honey garlic sauce.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, flipping it to ensure it's well coated and warmed through.
- Once the chicken is glazed and the sauce is sticky, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like Honey Garlic Chicken, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can dry out if overcooked. Be sure to cook it just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for juicy, tender results.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and become bitter. Add it after reducing the heat and sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Too thin sauce: If your sauce is too thin, don’t forget to add the cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Let it cook for a minute or two until it reaches the desired consistency.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key to making your Honey Garlic Chicken look as good as it tastes! Here are some tips for serving and plating:
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
- Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite grain like quinoa or couscous.
- For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers.
- If you’re serving a crowd, consider slicing the chicken breasts before serving, allowing each piece to soak up more of the sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Honey Garlic Chicken
- Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
- Arrange the chicken on a large platter and drizzle any extra sauce on top for a family-style serving.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color and added flavor contrast.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Tips
To ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the best flavor in this dish. Avoid pre-minced garlic, as it can lack the intensity needed for the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey or add a bit more soy sauce to balance it out.
- Make extra sauce: The sauce is one of the best parts of this dish, so consider doubling the sauce recipe if you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bake Honey Garlic Chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
A: Yes! You can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the seasoned chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). While the chicken is baking, make the honey garlic sauce on the stovetop and pour it over the baked chicken before serving.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe. You can use boneless, skinless thighs, but if you use bone-in thighs, adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Q: Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet and toss it in the sauce before serving.
Q: What sides go well with Honey Garlic Chicken?
A: Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad all pair well with Honey Garlic Chicken.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a fantastic blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for any occasion. The tender chicken, paired with the sticky garlic-infused honey sauce, is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small dinner party, this dish is quick to make and delivers big on flavor. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the delicious results!
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. It's a quick and delicious dish that pairs well with rice or veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with pepper and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Optional: Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add to the sauce to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for another 2 minutes to coat the chicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 680mg
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