Easy Honey Garlic Chicken — Detailed Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, optional
Preparation
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, slice thicker pieces horizontally so they cook more evenly. Season both sides with black pepper, paprika, and a small amount of salt.
2. Make the honey garlic sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well until everything is combined.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
4. Add the butter
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Let it melt around the chicken, adding extra richness to the dish.
5. Pour in the sauce
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the cooked chicken. Gently turn the chicken so it becomes coated in the sauce.
Allow it to simmer for about 2–4 minutes. The sauce will begin to bubble and become glossy.
6. Thicken the sauce
For a thicker, restaurant-style sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl.
Stir until smooth, then gradually add it to the skillet while stirring the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
7. Coat the chicken
Turn the chicken several times in the sauce, allowing the honey garlic glaze to cover every piece. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water and stir.
8. Garnish and serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken
This chicken pairs especially well with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Fried rice
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Noodles
- A fresh garden salad
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a meat thermometer and remove it from the heat once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce much more flavor than garlic powder.
- Control the sweetness: If you prefer a less-sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly and add a little extra lemon juice.
- Watch the heat: Honey can burn quickly, so keep the heat at medium once the sauce is added.
- For extra flavor: Add a small amount of grated fresh ginger along with the garlic.
- For extra spice: Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili sauce.
Quick Cooking Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful dinner featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet, savory, garlicky glaze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because the entire meal comes together in one skillet and pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.