Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a total game changer for busy weeknights when you want something quick, full of flavor, and better than takeout. Juicy boneless chicken thighs are cloaked in a glossy, sticky soy, garlic, and honey sauce, creating that magical balance of sweet, savory, and just the right hint of tang. Everything comes together using just a handful of everyday ingredients, and you’ll have dinner on the table in only 20 minutes! If you love a fast, impressive dish with minimal prep and a big wow factor, this recipe is definitely for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity—you probably have most of these ingredients already! Each one brings its own punch: creaminess, crunch, depth, or brightness, layering together for the ultimate saucy chicken experience.

• Chicken thighs (skinless and boneless): Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, thighs hold up beautifully to the high-heat sear and stay moist.
• Cornflour (cornstarch): Gives the chicken that irresistible golden, lightly crisp coating when pan-fried.
• Salt: Enhances the savory notes and keeps every bite perfectly seasoned.
• Pepper: Adds just the tiniest kick, balancing the sweetness in the sauce.
• Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that helps the chicken get that delicious golden crust.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, adding a silky finish and rich, buttery flavor.
• Minced garlic: This is the star! Four cloves infuse the whole dish with punchy, aromatic goodness.
• Honey: Delivers natural sweetness and helps create the signature sticky glaze you’ll crave.
• Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and thins out the sauce so it clings perfectly to every piece.
• Rice vinegar: Lifts the sauce, providing a touch of acidity to balance sweetness and richness.
• Light soy sauce: Offers umami and a savory backbone that ties everything together.
• Fresh parsley (to serve): Chopped parsley gives a pop of freshness and color for the final flourish.
• Chilli flakes (to serve): Optional but so good if you like just a little heat with your sweet and savory.
• Boiled rice (to serve): The perfect bed for soaking up all the glossy, flavorful sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by placing the skinless, boneless chicken thighs in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle on the cornflour, salt, and pepper, then toss everything together so every piece is lightly coated. This simple step gives the chicken just the right amount of texture and helps thicken the sauce later on. You’ll want to make sure there’s a nice, even layer on each thigh for that crispy edge.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, lay the chicken thighs in (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Sear for about 4 to 5 minutes on one side until you see that beautiful golden color, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. This is where you lock in all that juicy goodness and start building big flavor.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Drop the unsalted butter into the pan, letting it melt into the chicken juices. Add the minced garlic and stir everything gently, turning the heat to medium. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible! Mellowing the garlic at this stage ensures you get all its flavor without any bitterness.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, quickly stir together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce in a small bowl. This combination is the heart of every great Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe—sweet, tangy, savory, and unbelievably tasty.

Step 5: Simmer and Glaze

Pour the sauce straight into the pan with the chicken, turning up the heat. It will bubble away, thickening into the most incredible sticky glaze. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, basting the chicken and turning occasionally, until the sauce reduces and coats the chicken beautifully. The chicken should be fully cooked—juicy but no longer pink inside.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the finished chicken with chopped fresh parsley and a dusting of chilli flakes for color and a little heat. Serve everything over a mound of hot, fluffy boiled rice, making sure to pour every last drop of glossy sauce over the top. Get ready for excited faces at the table!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish really makes it pop, both visually and flavor-wise. I love showering each serving with bright fresh parsley and a sprinkle of vibrant red chilli flakes—they add a touch of freshness, heat, and such a beautiful finish to the golden brown chicken.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe over a bed of simple steamed rice, which soaks up all the sticky sauce. Add a side of steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed greens for a well-balanced, colorful plate. If you’re in the mood for more, try some fluffy jasmine rice, egg fried rice, or even crisp cucumber salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

This dish can be dressed up or down! Spoon it family-style onto a large serving platter with rice and lots of sauce, or serve individual rice bowls topped with chicken, sauce, and scatterings of parsley and chilli. For parties, try skewering bite-sized pieces with toothpicks—it’s always a crowd-pleaser as an appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool quickly to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for a fantastic repeat dinner or easy lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. The texture of the chicken may be slightly less tender when reheated, but it still tastes fantastic. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in an ovenproof dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 180C/350F for 12–15 minutes until piping hot. Microwaving works for small portions, but the oven better preserves the sauce’s texture. Give the sauce a good stir before serving to reincorporate any separation.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work here too! They cook quickly and soak up the sauce, though they may be a touch less juicy than thighs. For best results, slice the breasts into thick strips or pound to an even thickness, so they cook evenly without drying out.

How can I make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely—just swap the soy sauce for tamari, use a gluten-free chicken stock, and check that your rice vinegar is gluten free. These swaps keep all the flavor while making it perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?

You can, but fresh minced garlic really brings out the punchy, aromatic notes that make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe sing. If you’re short on time, jarred garlic will still give you a great result, just not quite as vibrant as fresh cloves.

What vegetables go best with Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Crisp-tender greens like broccoli, bok choy, sugar snap peas, or green beans all work well. Their mild flavor pairs perfectly with the sticky honey garlic sauce, and the fresh crunch adds nice balance to the dish.

Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?

Yes, it will. The sauce gets its thick, glossy texture from the honey and cornflour coating on the chicken. If you want it a bit looser, just splash in a tablespoon or two of warm water or chicken stock before serving and stir until smooth.

Final Thoughts

Give this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe a try the next time you’re craving something wildly delicious but super easy. It’s one of those dishes that always wows, whether you’re sharing with family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy dinner for one. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your weeknight rotation!

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