Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 oz chicken, see note 1
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Steamed Chinese broccoli
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt.
- In a bowl, mix honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic to make the honey garlic sauce.
- Heat a pan over medium heat, add oil, and sear the chicken for about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, pour in the honey garlic sauce and let it cook until thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan, coat it in the sauce, and cook until done.
- Slice the chicken, serve over a fresh bowl of steamed rice, and optionally garnish with sesame seeds and steamed greens.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Table of Contents
Sticky, Sweet, and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
This Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that proves simple doesn’t mean boring. With golden pan-seared chicken and a sweet, garlicky soy glaze, it’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Ready in just 20 minutes, this is the kind of weeknight dinner that’s easier (and tastier) than ordering takeout. Serve it over rice or greens, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
Why Honey Garlic Chicken Just Works
Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a generous amount of garlic come together in perfect balance. The glaze thickens into a glossy sauce that clings to each bite of chicken, making it taste like something you’d order at a good Asian restaurant. It’s bold without being overwhelming, sweet without being cloying, and savory with just enough tang to round it out. It’s also incredibly adaptable, you can serve it however you like.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken
Chicken
- 8 oz chicken (breast or thigh)
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Steamed Chinese broccoli or other greens
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken with a pinch of salt. This helps draw out moisture and enhances the flavor of the meat.
In a small bowl, combine the honey, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This will be your sticky, garlicky glaze.
Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, pour in the honey garlic sauce and cook for a few minutes until thick and bubbling.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it finish cooking in the glaze until it’s sticky and glossy.
Slice and serve over rice or greens, and garnish with sesame seeds or steamed vegetables if desired.
Why Use Honey in This Recipe
Honey adds more than just sweetness. It brings depth, richness, and a slight floral note depending on the variety you use. Whether it’s clover, manuka, wildflower, or something local from your farmers market, honey enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Plus, it thickens the glaze naturally, giving it that signature sticky-sweet finish. And if you’ve got leftover honey, use it in my Honey Butter Chicken Tenders next.
Best Ways to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish was made for steamed jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce and makes every bite taste like comfort. For something more refreshing, serve it with sautéed bok choy, Chinese broccoli, or spinach. You can even use it as filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
Yes, absolutely. Both chicken thighs and chicken breasts work well. Thighs will be juicier, but breasts are leaner and just as delicious when not overcooked.
How do I know when the sauce is done?
The sauce should bubble and thicken until it coats the back of a spoon. It’ll get glossier and cling more as it reduces, so keep an eye on it and stir often to prevent burning.
Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. You can make a batch ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. The sauce might thicken more when cold, so you can add a splash of water to loosen it when reheating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not by default, most soy sauces contain wheat. But you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the salted chicken pieces at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Then toss in the cooked sauce just before serving.
More Easy Recipes You’ll Love
If you love sticky sauces like this one, try my Korean Fried Chicken next.
Craving spice? Go crazy with my Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jigae).
Need a rice dish to pair it with? Make my Golden Fried Rice.
