Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crispy, golden chicken pieces glazed with a delectable honey garlic sauce promise an unforgettable meal that will make your taste buds dance.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen as this simple yet extraordinary dish comes together.

Tender chicken transforms into a mouthwatering masterpiece with just a few pantry staples.

Maple-like sweetness from honey blends perfectly with robust garlic undertones, creating a balanced flavor profile that feels both comforting and exciting.

Quick and easy preparation means you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in under thirty minutes.

Impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight dinners, this recipe guarantees smiles around the table.

What Makes Honey Garlic Chicken So Flavorful

• Master Culinary Simplicity: Beginners and seasoned cooks alike can nail this recipe with minimal cooking skills, using basic pantry staples and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable to various preferences, you can adjust spice levels, swap protein types, or pair with different sides, making it a versatile dish for diverse tastes and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying meal that comes together quickly, requiring just one pan and minimal prep time without compromising on rich, complex flavors.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious honey garlic dish.

• Vegetable Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Cornflour: Helps create a crispy exterior and thickens the sauce.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy sauce coating.
• Chicken Stock: Provides depth of flavor and helps create a rich sauce base.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the dish.
• Minced Garlic: Offers a pungent, aromatic flavor that is fundamental to the dish.

• Parsley, Chili Flakes: Adds fresh herb notes and a touch of heat to finish the dish.

• Boiled Rice: A classic accompaniment that complements the saucy chicken.

How to Prepare Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep Chicken Pieces

Generously coat chicken thighs with salt, ground black pepper, and cornflour to create a crispy exterior and enhance flavor.

Ensure each piece is evenly covered for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the pan, cooking until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.

Once done, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Aroma

In the same pan with remaining oil and butter, add minced garlic.

Sauté quickly until the garlic becomes fragrant and releases its delightful scent, being careful not to burn.

Step 4: Create Luscious Sauce

Pour in honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.

Stir ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, glossy consistency.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return golden chicken pieces back to the pan.

Gently coat each piece with the bubbling sauce, allowing it to thicken and cling to the meat.

Cook for a few additional minutes.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer chicken to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and red chili flakes on top for added color and zesty kick.

Serve alongside fluffy boiled rice for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Use cornflour to create a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in the chicken's juices and gives a golden-brown color.
• Saute garlic in the same pan used for cooking chicken to capture all the delicious browned bits and enhance the overall taste.
• Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce, which concentrates the flavors and creates a glossy, clingy consistency that perfectly coats the chicken.
• Combine honey with rice vinegar and soy sauce to create a harmonious sauce that offers sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley and chili flakes to add a burst of color, freshness, and a subtle heat that elevates the dish's overall profile.

Variations on Honey Garlic Chicken

• Lemon Herb Chicken: Replace honey with fresh lemon juice, add dried thyme and rosemary for a zesty Mediterranean-style flavor profile.
• Spicy Korean Chicken: Swap soy sauce with gochujang, add ginger, and increase chili flakes for a bold Korean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a keto-friendly option.
• Vegetarian Tofu Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, pressing and coating with cornstarch before pan-frying for a plant-based protein alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Flavor Companion Plate: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Fresh Green Crunch: Top with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for added texture and brightness.
• Veggie Side Kick: Pair with roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or stir-fried mixed vegetables to create a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Spice Level Up: Sprinkle extra red chili flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick with their sweet and savory chicken.

Storing Honey Garlic Chicken Properly

• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce from chicken to maintain texture.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warm.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with splash of chicken stock. Gently stir to redistribute sauce and prevent burning. Cover with lid to retain moisture.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this Honey Garlic Chicken its unique flavor profile?

The combination of honey’s sweetness, garlic’s pungency, rice vinegar’s tanginess, and soy sauce’s umami creates a balanced and complex flavor that makes this dish delicious.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are cooked through and not overdone, as they can dry out faster than chicken thighs.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is mildly spicy with optional chili flakes. You can control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili flakes or omitting them completely.

• How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The entire recipe takes approximately 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken delivers pure culinary magic straight from home kitchens. Crispy, golden chicken pieces glazed with sweet and savory sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 110 grams (1/3 cup) honey
• 80 milliliters (1/3 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

Garnish and Serving:

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• Boiled rice

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with seasoned cornflour mixture, ensuring even coverage for a crispy exterior.
2. Melt butter and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces, cooking until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken and transfer to a clean plate, keeping warm while preparing the sauce.
4. Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in the same pan until aromatic and lightly golden, releasing its intense flavor.
5. Pour honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into the pan, whisking continuously to create a smooth, glossy sauce.
6. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce and develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
7. Gently return chicken to the pan, thoroughly coating each piece with the sticky, caramelized sauce.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 2-4 minutes, ensuring chicken is completely heated and sauce reaches desired thickness.
9. Plate the chicken, drizzling remaining sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for added heat and visual appeal.
11. Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice or your preferred grain.

Notes

• Ensure chicken thighs are thoroughly patted dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Cornflour creates a delightful golden crust, trapping moisture inside and delivering extra crunch when properly applied.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control of salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning without overwhelming the dish’s delicate flavor balance.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute cornflour with arrowroot powder and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 354 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 3840 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg