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This mouthwatering honey garlic chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
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As a busy mom of three and a home cook, I’m always looking for meals that are tasty, quick and wholesome, and this Honey Garlic Chicken checks all the boxes. I’ve made this recipe countless times for friends and family, and it’s always a hit. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with tender chicken, makes it a go-to dish in my kitchen. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I’m excited to share this tried-and-true recipe with you!
For similar delicious and easy dinners, check out these: Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Baked Honey Dijon Salmon.
Why you will love this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe!
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or a side of veggies, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily customize it to fit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
- Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple at your dinner table. The savory-sweet sauce is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to for family meals and gatherings.
- Healthy Option: As a nutritionist, I appreciate that this dish can be made with lean chicken and a balanced sauce, making it a nutritious yet indulgent choice for your meal plan.
Essential Ingredients You Need and Substitutions
For full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
To make the best Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, boneless skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe because they absorb the sauce beautifully. You could also use skinless chicken breasts.
- Honey: Opt for a high-quality, pure honey for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that pungent, aromatic kick.
- Coconut Aminos: Adds depth and umami to the sauce. You could also use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, you could also use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Chicken broth/Stock: Creates a savory base that enriches the sauce.
- Spices: salt, black pepper, cornstarch (or arrowroot starch), coconut oil or sesame oil
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with arrowroot starch, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Mix the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, coocnut aminos, and minced garlic.
- Cook the Sauce. Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Increase the heat to high heat to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook through.
- Serve. Garnish with chopped chives and sesame seeds. Serve the chicken over boiled rice.
TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN
Recipe Tips from the Test Kitchen
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents hot spots that can burn the sauce.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets evenly browned.
- Use a meat thermometer: Cook the chicken to perfect temperature (165F) to prevent it from overcooking and drying out.
- Let the sauce simmer: Patience is key—allowing the sauce to reduce slowly will give it a thicker, more luxurious texture.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the flavors shine:
- Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the honey in the dish. Carrots and Peas, Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, and Beets and Carrots are also great side dishes for this meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich sauce.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The perfect side for soaking up extra sauce.
- Rice: White rice or brown rice pairs wonderfully with the chicken and a side of broccoli. Alternatively, you can also serve it with cauliflower rice.
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh green onions/chives, or fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and chili flakes for a touch of color and a bit of spice. Serve with a wedge of lemon or lime on the side for an optional squeeze of brightness.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating Leftovers
After cooking, let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.
Freezing for Future Meals
To freeze, cool the cooked chicken and sauce, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing excess air. It keeps for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven at 350F for about 12 minutes when ready to enjoy.
Variations
- Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: A Game Day Favorite. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, try using chicken wings instead of thighs. You can bake the chicken wings in the oven at 400 F for about 30 minutes. Make the sauce in a skillet and toss the wings to coat them evenly.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry: Quick and Veggie-Packed. For a speedy, lighter option, turn this dish into a stir-fry. Slice the chicken into strips and sauté with vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli. Once cooked, toss everything in the honey garlic sauce and serve over rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. I prefer thighs for this recipe (they are more tender, juicier and more flavorful) but you can use any cut of chicken you like.
Yes, just use gluten-free tamari sauce or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Yes, you can freeze it, even though it might not be as tender after you reheat it. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat in a skillet on the cooktop.
More Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes
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Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
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Chicken Fried Rice
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, or arrowroot starch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos, or light soy sauce
To Serve:
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives, or green onions
- ½ tsp sesame seeds
- boiled rice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, stir together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, and minced garlic.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Increase the heat to high heat to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook through.
- Garnish with chopped chives and sesame seeds. Serve the chicken over boiled rice.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents hot spots that can burn the sauce.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets evenly browned.
- Use a meat thermometer: Cook the chicken to perfect temperature (165F) to prevent it from overcooking and drying out.
- Let the sauce simmer: Patience is key—allowing the sauce to reduce slowly will give it a thicker, more luxurious texture.
