Name: Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 3-4 chicken thighs or breasts; 1/4 cup honey; 3-4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth (optional, for sauce)

Honey Garlic Chicken is one of my favorite easy and flavorful meals to make. It combines tender, juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s sticky and delicious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet packed with flavor. The balance of sweet honey and aromatic garlic creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. It’s also versatile—I often switch up the sides or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy days.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts
Honey
Garlic cloves
Soy sauce
Olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Water or chicken broth (optional, for sauce)

directions

I start by preparing the chicken: I season it with salt and pepper.
Then, I heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
While the chicken cooks, I mix honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a small bowl to make the sauce.
After the chicken is done, I pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer, coating the chicken, until it thickens slightly and becomes sticky. If I want a thicker sauce, I stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another minute.
Finally, I serve it hot with rice or steamed veggies.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. It takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it great for quick dinners.

Variations

Sometimes, I swap chicken breasts for thighs if I want a juicier, more tender result. I also like adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the sauce a little tang or heat. For a healthier twist, I might bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it, then toss with the sauce just before serving.

storage/reheating

I store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and sauce glossy. Microwaving works too, but I prefer stovetop reheating to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, I often use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust cooking time so the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. I replace regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it gluten-free.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

I mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce while simmering until it thickens to my liking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken ahead and store it separately from the sauce. Reheat both and then combine before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

I like serving it with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. Stir-fried greens or a simple salad also complement the dish well.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and satisfying meal that I always enjoy making. The sweet and savory sauce elevates simple chicken to something special, and it’s versatile enough to suit many tastes and occasions. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe is a reliable favorite I keep coming back to.