This Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness! Juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection and coated in a sticky, flavorful honey garlic sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, butter, and honey.
This easy 30-minute meal is better than takeout and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – 500 g
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Cornstarch – 2 tbsp (30 g)
- Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Unsalted butter – 1 tbsp (15 g)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Garlic cloves, minced – 4
- Honey – 80 ml (⅓ cup)
- Soy sauce – 60 ml (¼ cup)
- Chicken broth or water – 60 ml (¼ cup)
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar – 1 tbsp (15 ml)
- Cornstarch (to thicken) – 1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds – 1 tsp
- Green onions, chopped – 2 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat each piece lightly with cornstarch—this helps create a crispy texture.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and vinegar.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Return the seared chicken to the pan.
- Spoon the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, letting it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
✔ Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.
✔ Garnish with extra sesame seeds and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
✔ With White or Brown Rice – The sauce pairs beautifully with rice.
✔ With Steamed Broccoli or Bok Choy – Adds a fresh, healthy element.
✔ With Garlic Butter Noodles – A simple but tasty pairing.
✔ With a Side of Egg Rolls – For a full Asian-inspired meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 4 Servings)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
✔ Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay more tender than chicken breasts.
✔ Make It Extra Crispy – Coat the chicken in a light cornstarch batter for crunch.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Garlic – Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so cook it just until fragrant.
✔ Want More Sauce? – Double the sauce ingredients for extra drizzle-worthy goodness.
✔ For a Spicy Kick – Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Extra Additions for More Flavor
- Ginger – Add 1 tsp grated ginger to the sauce for warmth.
- Orange Zest – Gives a bright citrusy kick to the sauce.
- Chili Paste – Adds heat and boldness.
- Cashews or Peanuts – For crunch and texture.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead – Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, honey, and garlic for 1 hour before cooking.
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat? – Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze? – Yes! Store cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
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