Craving something sweet, sticky, and savory? This Honey Garlic Chicken hits all the right notes. It’s quick, tender, and packed with flavor — the perfect 20-minute weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
This Honey Garlic Chicken is a total lifesaver on busy nights. It cooks fast, tastes incredible, and uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have. The chicken turns perfectly tender, coated in a thick, glossy glaze that’s both sweet and garlicky with a touch of tang. The balance of flavors works for everyone — kids love the sweetness, while adults appreciate the savory kick. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even alongside vegetables for a full meal. Plus, cleanup is minimal since it all comes together in one pan. Once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Honey Garlic Chicken, start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful after cooking. A light dusting of cornflour helps the chicken crisp slightly and thickens the sauce later. You’ll season it simply with salt and pepper, then sear it in a little vegetable oil until golden. For that signature glaze, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a splash of water. The soy sauce adds savory depth, the honey brings sweetness, and the vinegar adds just the right tang. Fresh minced garlic makes the aroma irresistible. Optional sesame seeds and chopped spring onions give extra crunch and color on top — totally worth it.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornflour until coated. This step helps the edges crisp slightly and gives the sauce a silky texture later.
Sear to Perfection
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on the edges. This builds flavor and keeps the inside juicy.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang if needed. The sauce should be balanced — not too salty or too sweet.
Combine and Simmer
Reduce the heat slightly and add minced garlic to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in your honey-soy mixture. Let it bubble gently for 4–5 minutes until thickened and sticky. The sauce should cling beautifully to the chicken.
Serve and Garnish
Once the sauce is glossy and coats every piece, turn off the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for crunch and color. Serve it hot — it tastes best fresh from the pan.
What to Serve It With
Honey Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it over noodles for a quick stir-fry feel. Add a side of sautéed green beans, broccoli, or stir-fried veggies for color and crunch. It’s a great addition to an Asian-inspired dinner spread, especially when paired with dishes like the Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe or Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad. The sauce soaks beautifully into rice, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Tips for the Best Results
To get restaurant-style results, avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece browns evenly instead of steaming. Control sauce thickness by simmering longer for a stickier glaze or adding a splash of water to thin it. If you prefer a lighter taste, use low-sodium soy sauce. For extra sweetness, drizzle in a little more honey near the end. Chicken thighs give the best tenderness, but you can swap for chicken breast — just cook slightly less to prevent dryness. Finally, serve immediately while the glaze is warm and glossy for that perfect sticky texture.
Storage and Reheating
Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts until hot through. Avoid overcooking, as the chicken can toughen. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it returns to its glossy texture once reheated. Enjoy it fresh or as an easy meal prep option for busy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is honey garlic good on chicken?
Yes, honey garlic adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor. The honey caramelizes slightly, while garlic deepens the flavor beautifully.
What to put with Honey Garlic Chicken?
It’s delicious with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it alongside fried rice or a light salad for contrast.
How to cook Honey Garlic Chicken thighs?
Pan-sear the seasoned chicken thighs until golden, then simmer with honey, soy sauce, and garlic until coated in a sticky glaze.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Easy Homemade Butter Chicken Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
- Whole30 Chinese Chicken Salad
- Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken is quick, flavorful, and family-approved. It takes only 20 minutes to make yet tastes like a dish from your favorite takeout spot. The combination of sweet honey, savory soy, and fragrant garlic makes every bite irresistible. Serve it over rice for a comforting meal or double the batch for meal prep. Try it tonight and see why it’s one of the easiest, most delicious chicken recipes you’ll keep coming back to. For more inspiration, check out our cooking ideas on Pinterest.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Large frying pan for searing the chicken
- Mixing bowl for combining sauce ingredients
- Tongs for turning the chicken pieces
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 ½ tbsp soy sauce
- 5 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- chopped spring onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with cornflour.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water until combined.
- Lower the heat slightly. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the sauce and simmer 4–5 minutes until thick and sticky.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
