Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless (skinless chicken thighs); 1/4 cup honey; 4-5 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional); 2 green onions (sliced); Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Honey garlic chicken combines sweet and savory flavors in one simple dish. This recipe uses chicken thighs cooked until golden and topped with a sticky sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The sauce caramelizes during cooking, creating a delicious glaze that coats each piece of chicken. You can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The ingredients are common items found in most kitchens, and the cooking process is straightforward. This honey garlic chicken pairs well with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Table of Contents

Reasons to Try Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken stands out for several good reasons:

The sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic
The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender even if slightly overcooked
You can make it with basic pantry ingredients
It cooks in one pan for easy cleanup
The sticky glaze looks impressive but requires minimal effort
Kids and adults both enjoy the familiar flavors
It reheats well for leftovers the next day
You can adjust the sweetness or garlic level to suit your taste

Where did Honey Garlic Chicken come from?

Honey garlic chicken has roots in Chinese-American cuisine, where sweet and savory combinations are common in many dishes. The basic concept of combining honey and garlic as flavor enhancers for protein dates back centuries in Asian cooking traditions. The modern version became popular in North America during the mid-20th century as Chinese food gained widespread appeal. Home cooks adapted restaurant recipes using locally available ingredients. This fusion dish represents how culinary traditions blend and evolve when cuisines travel across cultures. Today, variations of honey garlic chicken appear in many households and restaurants worldwide, with each region adding its own twist to the basic recipe.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best because they stay juicy during cooking. You can use chicken breasts, but they may become dry if overcooked.

Honey: Use pure honey for the best flavor. The honey creates the sticky glaze and provides natural sweetness.

Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the most robust flavor. Mince them finely so they distribute evenly in the sauce.

Soy sauce: Provides the salty element and depth. Low-sodium soy sauce lets you control the salt level better.

Rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute.

Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for cooking the chicken.

Salt and pepper: Season the chicken before cooking to build flavor from the start.

Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce to create a glossy finish.

Green onions: Add freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 5: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of oil if needed.

Step 6: Add minced garlic (about 4-5 cloves) to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 7: Pour in 1/4 cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Stir to combine.

Step 8: If using cornstarch, mix 1 teaspoon with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Add to the sauce and stir.

Step 9: Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Step 10: Return the chicken to the pan, turning each piece to coat with sauce.

Step 11: Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken until it becomes thick and glossy.

Step 12: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving.

What You Must Know About Honey Garlic Chicken

The sauce can burn easily because of the honey’s high sugar content. Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when making the sauce and watch it carefully. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken, as this prevents proper browning. Work in batches if needed for even cooking. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly thin in the pan. When using chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer rather than by cooking time alone.

Helpful Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, minced garlic, and a touch of honey for 30 minutes before cooking. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you enjoy a hint of heat with your sweet and savory flavors. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after the initial cooking before adding it back to the sauce—this helps keep it juicy. For a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch to 2 teaspoons. To get a nice caramelized exterior on the chicken, make sure to pat it very dry before seasoning and cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Citrus twist: Include the juice of half an orange or lemon in the sauce for brightness.

Ginger addition: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic for an aromatic boost.

Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Lower sugar version: Reduce honey to 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of chicken broth.

Vegetable additions: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.

Sesame flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the finished dish and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Baked version: After browning the chicken, transfer to a baking dish, pour the sauce over, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve honey garlic chicken over steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice works well. Steamed broccoli, bok choy, or green beans make excellent side dishes that complement the flavors. For a complete meal, serve with both rice and a vegetable side. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for added color and flavor. For a fun presentation, serve in a bowl with rice on the bottom, chicken pieces arranged on top, and sauce drizzled over everything. A side of simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when cold, which is normal. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of water if needed to thin the sauce. Heat gently until the chicken reaches 165°F, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can make the chicken tough. The sauce may separate slightly when reheated but will still taste good.

Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Garlic Chicken

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes per side and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before adding the sauce.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, use less honey (try 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup) and add a bit more soy sauce or a tablespoon of chicken broth to maintain the sauce volume.

What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar makes the best substitute for rice vinegar in this recipe. White wine vinegar or even lemon juice can work in a pinch, though each will change the flavor profile slightly.

Why is my sauce not thickening?

If your sauce isn’t thickening, try increasing the heat slightly and let it simmer longer. If that doesn’t work, make a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the sauce.

Can this recipe be made in advance?

Yes, you can make honey garlic chicken up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

Is honey garlic chicken gluten-free?

The standard recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

More Of Chicken Recipes:

Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe

Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe