Description
This trending Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce made with honey, fresh garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. Perfectly caramelized and bursting with bold flavors, it’s a quick, crowd-pleasing dish ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over to coat evenly. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice, veggies, or noodles.
Notes
- Chicken Options: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer more juiciness, while chicken breasts are leaner. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
- Flavor Boost: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Honey Substitute: Maple syrup can be used for a different flavor profile if honey isn’t available.
- Soy Sauce Tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness, or swap with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Marinating Option: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Serving Idea: Pair with jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried veggies, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired