Flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken

This hearty Honey Garlic Chicken has been my go-to dinner recipe for years. The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors creates a glossy, irresistible glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something simple yet impressive. My family was instantly hooked, and it has since become our most requested meal when friends come over for dinner.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 2 lbs of chicken pieces. Boneless chicken breasts work great for quick cooking, but bone-in thighs deliver richer flavor and stay incredibly moist. The choice really depends on your preference and time constraints.
• Soy Sauce: ½ cup. This provides the savory umami base for our sauce. I recommend using low sodium if available to better control the salt level in the final dish.
• Honey: ½ cup. The star ingredient that creates that beautiful sticky glaze. Raw honey adds wonderful complexity, but any liquid honey works beautifully in this recipe.
• Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is absolutely essential here. I tried making this with jarred minced garlic once in a pinch, and the difference was immediately noticeable.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. This adds the perfect tang to balance the sweetness and richness. Unseasoned rice vinegar is best as seasoned versions contain additional sugar.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Always use toasted sesame oil for that rich, nutty flavor that defines Asian-inspired dishes. A little goes a long way.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon freshly grated (optional). Fresh ginger adds a wonderful warmth and complexity to the sauce that complements the garlic beautifully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For those who enjoy a hint of heat to balance the sweet elements. Completely customizable to your spice preference.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. The secret to achieving that perfect thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.
• Water: 2 tablespoons for creating the cornstarch slurry.
• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing. Any neutral oil like vegetable or canola works perfectly.
• Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: for garnish. These add wonderful visual appeal and fresh flavor notes to finish the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and optional ginger and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Make sure to whisk until the honey fully dissolves into the mixture for even flavor distribution. Add your chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat each piece completely. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, but for best results, refrigerate for 2 hours or even overnight. The longer marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in much more flavorful chicken.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat your cooking oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl but do not discard the remaining marinade. Place chicken pieces in the hot skillet without overcrowding, working in batches if necessary. Sear each side until beautifully golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelization is crucial for developing depth of flavor. Reduce heat to medium low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your chicken pieces.

Create the Glaze:

While the chicken finishes cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Once marinade is boiling, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly as the sauce thickens. The transformation happens quickly as the sauce becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat once it reaches your desired consistency.

Glaze and Garnish:

Pour the thickened sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Allow the chicken to simmer in the glaze for about 2 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even coating. The sauce should cling beautifully to each piece. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a professional finish that adds wonderful texture contrast.

Pin it

The sesame oil is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I once made the mistake of omitting it when I ran out, and while the chicken was still good, it lacked that distinctive depth and aroma that makes this dish so special. Just that one tablespoon transforms the entire flavor profile in the most magical way.

Storage and Reheating

This Honey Garlic Chicken stores exceptionally well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually continue to develop and marry, making leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal. For reheating, I find that a covered skillet on medium-low heat works best to maintain the moisture in the chicken while gently warming the sauce without breaking it. Add a tablespoon of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but tends to toughen the chicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions

While this chicken is delicious on its own, it truly shines when served over fluffy white rice that soaks up all that glorious sauce. For a complete meal, I like to add a simple side of steamed broccoli or bok choy that provides a fresh contrast to the rich, sticky chicken. For entertaining, consider serving it as part of a larger Asian-inspired feast alongside vegetable fried rice, a crisp cucumber salad, and perhaps some pot stickers. The bright flavors in this dish pair wonderfully with a crisp Riesling or a light lager beer.

Pin it

Variations to Try

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. For a spicier version, double the red pepper flakes or add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the marinade for deeper umami notes. For a citrus twist that brightens the whole dish, add the zest and juice of one orange to the sauce. You can also transform this into a complete one-pan meal by adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this dish?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great! They remain juicy and flavorful, making them an excellent alternative to bone-in options.

→ What can I use instead of soy sauce?

For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari. Alternatively, coconut aminos can serve as a less salty soy sauce substitute.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. For deeper flavor, 2 hours to overnight in the refrigerator is recommended.

→ Can I add spice to this honey garlic dish?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

Serve alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?

Marinate properly, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.