Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Do you ever get that craving for something that’s just the perfect balance of sweet and savory, sticky and tender, and ridiculously easy to make? I know I do! This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe brings back all those amazing cozy dinner memories. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds sing. Plus, it’s so quick, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in just 20 minutes. Seriously, it’s a weeknight dinner lifesaver!

Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Chicken

• Fast: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish!
• Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this perfect for beginners.
• Giftable: Whip up an extra batch and share the deliciousness!
• Crowd-pleasing: Kids and adults alike rave about this classic flavor combo.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to deliciousness! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 to 2½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces – I like to use chicken breast because it cooks up so tender, but thighs work too if you prefer!
• ½ cup corn starch – This is for coating the chicken to get it nice and crispy.
• 1 cup filtered water – The base for our glorious sauce.
• ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce) – Adds that essential salty, umami depth.
• ⅓ cup honey – The star of the sweet show!
• 1 to 2 Tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference) – A little kick to balance out the sweetness. You can add more or less depending on how much heat you like.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 Tbsp) – Fresh garlic is a must for that wonderful aroma and flavor.
• 2 Tbsp corn starch – This is for thickening our sauce to that perfect syrupy consistency.
• 2 Tbsp cold water – Mixed with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry.
• Sesame seeds and chives, for garnish (optional) – These add a lovely pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s as simple as can be.

1. Make the Sauce Base: Grab a medium saucepan and combine the filtered water, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, and minced garlic. Put it over medium heat and stir it all together. Let it come to a gentle boil.
2. Thicken the Sauce: While the sauce is heating, in a small dish, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until there are no lumps. This is your slurry! Slowly pour this into the boiling sauce, stirring constantly. You’ll see it start to thicken up beautifully. Once it’s thick, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer gently.
3. Coat the Chicken: Now for the chicken! Place your cut-up chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag. Sprinkle the ½ cup of cornstarch over the chicken. Seal the bag up tight and give it a good shake. You want every piece of chicken to be evenly coated – this is key for that lovely texture.
4. Cook the Chicken: Get a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Lightly coat it with a little oil. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd the pan, or your chicken will steam instead of getting that nice sear. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches or use two pans at once. Sauté the chicken for a few minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and golden.
5. Sauce it Up! Once all your chicken is cooked and looking delicious, turn off the heat under the pan. Pour that wonderful, thickened honey garlic sauce you made earlier all over the chicken. Give it a good stir to make sure every single piece is coated in that glossy, amazing sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Pile your finished Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some sesame seeds and thinly sliced chives for a beautiful presentation. It’s so good, you might even want to make extra sauce to drizzle over it! This is such a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a different chicken dish, but still want that irresistible sweet and savory flavor profile, similar to our Honey Pineapple Grilled Chicken.

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and are often even more flavorful and forgiving.
• Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some colorful veggies like broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or snap peas into the pan with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add extra nutrients and a lovely crunch.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a lot of heat, add a bit more Sriracha or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a milder version, you can omit the Sriracha entirely.
• Ginger: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add about a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the minced garlic.
• Citrus Zest: A little orange or lime zest stirred into the sauce at the end can add a bright, refreshing note. Much like how citrus brightens up our Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes!

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make your Honey Garlic Chicken even better:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is so important for getting that lovely crispy exterior on the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Prep Ahead: You can cut your chicken and mince your garlic ahead of time to save even more minutes during the week. The sauce ingredients can also be measured out and kept in separate containers.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can always mix up a little more cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp cold water) and whisk it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
• Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness, especially since honey can also have a slightly salty component depending on the type.

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Honey Garlic Chicken stores beautifully.

Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, or microwave it until heated through. I find it’s still delicious even the next day, and it’s great for packing in lunches!

FAQs

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, which gives it a mild to medium kick. You can adjust this amount up or down based on your personal spice preference. If you prefer no spice, simply omit the Sriracha!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They are often more tender and flavorful. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

This dish is wonderful served over steamed white or brown rice. It also pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, a simple side salad, or even noodles. If you’re looking for more chicken dish inspiration, you might enjoy our Easy Chicken Scampi with Rice or our flavorful Creamy Chicken Scampi Garlic Parmesan Rice!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stove before tossing with the cooked chicken.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our other easy and delicious dishes! You can find more tasty recipes and inspiration by following us on Pinterest!