Tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with a rich, glossy finish. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and tastes great with rice or vegetables.
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, ketchup, and rice vinegar or lemon juice.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and stir well to coat the chicken.
- In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water, then pour it into the skillet.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 20 g
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Do not overcrowd the skillet, because the chicken will not brown properly. If you want a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with water. Serve it immediately while the sauce is still warm and glossy.
Storage
Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey garlic chicken combines savory garlic with a lightly sweet, glossy sauce that coats every piece of chicken. It cooks quickly and pairs with many simple sides, making it a convenient option for busy evenings.
Ingredient Notes
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
- Allow the sauce to simmer briefly so it becomes glossy and coats the chicken.
- Fresh garlic gives the sauce a stronger flavor than garlic powder alone.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed rice and vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots. Spoon a little extra sauce over the rice before serving.
Easy Variations
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished chicken.
- Add broccoli directly to the skillet for a one-pan variation.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Kitchen Note
Let the sauce reduce briefly after adding the chicken so it becomes glossy and clings to every piece.
Best Tip
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they finish cooking at the same time.
Ingredient Swap
Boneless chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a richer and slightly juicier version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes. Chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. You can reduce the amount of honey slightly if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
It goes well with white rice, fried rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can cook it in advance and reheat it before serving.
