Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a mouthwatering honey garlic chicken recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure that sparks conversation.

Aromas of sweet and savory notes will drift through your kitchen, drawing everyone closer to the table.

Tender chicken pieces glazed with a rich, golden sauce promise pure deliciousness.

Balanced flavors dance between subtle sweetness and deep umami undertones that make taste buds sing.

Simple ingredients combine effortlessly, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Home cooks of any skill level can master this delectable dish with confidence.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.

Honey Garlic Chicken Full of Flavor

• Quickly Conquer Dinner: This honey garlic chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouth-watering meal that requires minimal kitchen skills and basic pantry staples.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping chicken cuts, adjusting sauce sweetness, and adding personal touches like extra spices or garnishes to match individual taste preferences.
• Speed Through Cooking: Single-pan preparation means less cleanup, faster cooking process, and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master without stress.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Universally appealing sweet and savory combination creates a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its delicious honey garlic sauce.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this dish.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a glossy coating for the chicken.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a savory umami element to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Water: Helps to thin the sauce and create the right consistency.

• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce a smooth and glossy texture.
• Pepper: Adds a mild heat and helps to season the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing it from sticking to the pan.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Provide a crunchy texture and fresh visual appeal to the finished dish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat, creating a perfect cooking environment for the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place chicken breasts into the hot pan and sprinkle with pepper.

Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Drop minced garlic into the same pan and sauté until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma, releasing the garlic’s rich flavor.

Step 4: Create the Signature Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Water

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to blend smoothly.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

• Cornstarch
• Water

Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thick consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, gently coating each piece with the luxurious honey garlic sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 7: Final Flourish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the chicken for added texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot and steaming.

Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Success

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and quicker preparation.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to balance sweetness and saltiness according to personal taste preferences.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure better browning and crispy exterior.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the dish healthier.
• Thicken sauce gradually with cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve smooth consistency.

Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Slow Cooker Version: Brown chicken first, then transfer to slow cooker with sauce ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Serving Ideas for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Family Feast Finale: Slice chicken and serve over fluffy white rice, creating a complete meal with colorful steamed vegetables on the side.
• Salad Sensation: Chop cooled chicken and toss into a fresh green salad with crisp romaine, adding extra crunch and protein-packed deliciousness.
• Quick Lunch Wrap: Roll shredded chicken in a warm tortilla with extra sauce, adding lettuce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a portable lunch option.
• Appetizer Delight: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and serve as a crowd-pleasing finger food during gatherings or game nights.

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the chicken and sauce separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Microwave reheating works best when adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Oven method provides the most consistent and crispy results for reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking.

• How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is there a substitute for cornstarch to thicken the sauce?

You can use all-purpose flour as an alternative. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with water to create a similar slurry that will help thicken the sauce.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the honey garlic sauce for a kick of heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken blends sweet and savory flavors from Asian cuisine. Home cooks can savor this simple, delicious meal that satisfies hunger and delights palates.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup (59 ml) honey
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) water

Aromatics and Thickeners:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Optional Garnish:

• sesame seeds
• chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a skillet at medium temperature for even heat distribution.
2. Apply seasoning to chicken breasts with cracked pepper, ensuring thorough coverage.
3. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a separate plate.
4. Lower heat and introduce minced garlic to the same pan, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
5. Pour honey, soy sauce, and water into the skillet, allowing ingredients to blend and create a smooth liquid base.
6. Activate the sauce by bringing it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
7. Combine cornstarch with water to create a smooth thickening agent, then gradually incorporate into the simmering sauce.
8. Continuously stir the sauce until it reaches a glossy, slightly viscous consistency.
9. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the pan, gently turning to ensure complete sauce coverage.
10. Allow chicken to warm through in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes.
11. Transfer to serving plates and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
12. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and chicken retains its juiciness.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat that absorbs sauce better and prevents drying out.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels, making the dish heart-friendly and suitable for those watching sodium intake.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing standard soy sauce with tamari and ensuring cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
• Quickly marinate chicken in sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg