If you’ve been searching for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender strips of chicken thighs with a luscious honey garlic sauce that coats every bite in a sticky, flavorful glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist, this dish is as simple to make as it is delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is all about gathering a handful of everyday ingredients that work together like magic. Each component adds a vital touch, whether it’s the sweetness from honey, the zing from garlic, or the hearty texture of the chicken thighs.
- Boneless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a crispy coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- Pepper and salt: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavors without overpowering.
- Minced garlic: Adds that essential pungent, aromatic bite all good honey garlic dishes need.
- Honey: The star ingredient that brings sweetness and a lovely glaze.
- Brown sugar: Boosts caramel notes and balances acidity in the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides depth and moistness to the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Soy sauce: Brings a salty, umami punch that rounds out flavors.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Chili flakes: Give the slightest hint of heat to wake up your palate.
- Chopped parsley: Freshens the dish with a pop of green and mild herbal notes.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless chicken thighs into strips for easy, even cooking. Toss them with salt, pepper, and cornstarch—this coating helps the chicken achieve a delightful crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Step 2: Whip Up the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. This combination forms the heart of the honey garlic sauce, marrying sweetness, tang, and savory depth into one irresistible mixture. Set it aside—you’ll add it to the chicken shortly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken strips in batches until they are golden brown on all sides. The golden crust not only adds texture but also locks in juicy flavors that make each bite heavenly.
Step 4: Infuse the Garlic and Butter
Lower the heat and add minced garlic and butter to the skillet, letting their aromas meld and fill your kitchen. This step boosts flavor and richness before you pour in the sauce mixture.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the reserved honey garlic sauce into the pan with the chicken, stirring and letting it simmer gently. As it thickens, the sauce will cling beautifully to each chicken strip, turning glossy and irresistible.
Step 6: Final Touches
Sprinkle in chili flakes and chopped parsley to add a subtle kick and fresh color. Give it one last stir, then get ready to plate this delicious dish that’s bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Lightly dust your finished honey garlic chicken with extra chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and herbaceous aroma. A few extra chili flakes can also be sprinkled on top if you love a bit more heat to elevate the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This savory and sweet honey garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice, both of which soak up the sauce delightfully. For a lighter balance, serve it alongside sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to add refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the honey garlic chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Garnishing with toasted sesame seeds adds crunch and helps tie into the Asian-inspired vibes of this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this dish freezes nicely. Store cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve moisture and prevent burning the sauce. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much after storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work as a substitute, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful with this recipe’s cooking method.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and double-check that your cornstarch and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
How spicy is this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
The chili flakes add a gentle heat that complements the sweetness without overwhelming—feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the sauce up to a day ahead helps the flavors meld, but save combining it with chicken until cooking to keep everything fresh.
What’s the best way to serve the chicken for meal prep?
Pair it with cooked rice and steamed vegetables in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches that taste like a home-cooked meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dish that brings together simplicity and bold flavors so effortlessly, and this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe does just that. Easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests, it quickly becomes a household favorite. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover how this delightful combination of honey, garlic, and tender chicken brings joy to your table.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender strips of boneless chicken thighs cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken thighs, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help create a light coating to crisp up the chicken and thicken the sauce later.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later use.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, flipping occasionally for even cooking.
- Add garlic and butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the butter melts into the chicken.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle in the chili flakes and chopped parsley. Give a final stir, then serve the honey garlic chicken hot over cooked rice or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- For a spicier variation, increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
- Gluten-free option: substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
