Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: Chicken thighs or breasts; Honey; Garlic (minced); Soy sauce; Olive oil; Ginger (optional); Cornstarch (optional for thickening); Salt and pepper; Green onions (optional)

July 22, 2025 by Yasmin Bernat

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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dish that’s sure to please the whole family, Honey Garlic Chicken might just become your new go-to recipe. With its irresistible combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a touch of soy sauce, this dish delivers bold flavors in every bite. Best of all, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Tender chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection and then coated in a sticky, rich honey garlic glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it alongside fluffy rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your preferred cut—thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.
Honey: The star of the sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic provides a bold and aromatic flavor.
Soy sauce: Balances the sweetness of the honey with its salty umami taste.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
Ginger (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce if desired.
Salt and pepper: To season the chicken before cooking.
Green onions (optional): For garnish and a pop of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, even if you’re not an experienced cook. Here’s how to make Honey Garlic Chicken:

Season the chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures the meat is flavorful from the inside out.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. The chicken should have a golden crust on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). This combination creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Prepare the glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the honey garlic mixture into the same skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Coat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. The glaze should cling to the chicken beautifully, giving it that irresistible shine.
Serve and garnish: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm with rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers. This will help achieve a more velvety consistency.
Juicier chicken: Opt for chicken thighs rather than breasts if you want extra tenderness and moisture.
Hands-off option: For a more effortless version, you can bake the chicken instead of pan-searing it. Simply place seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s an Asian-inspired dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize to your preferences. Whether you serve it with jasmine rice, quinoa, or noodles, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Additionally, it’s gluten-free by default if you use gluten-free soy sauce, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The recipe is also budget-friendly, using everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank.

Nutrition Information

For those curious about nutritional details, here’s a quick breakdown per serving (based on one chicken thigh):

Calories: 400
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 800mg

Keep in mind that these values may vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Chicken is proof that simple recipes can deliver big flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to impress without requiring hours of prep work. Its sweet and savory glaze is universally loved, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

So why not give this recipe a try tonight? With just 25 minutes of total time required, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time. Don’t forget to garnish with green onions for that final touch of freshness!

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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe