Craving something delicious but short on time and wanting to avoid the guilt? Honey Garlic Chicken is your answer! This recipe is a weeknight champion – quick, healthy(ish!), and bursting with flavor. Honestly, there are nights when I’m dragging, but the thought of that shiny, sweet, and savory glaze on tender chicken keeps me going. It’s a simple meal that feels like a treat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
When I was a kid, my grandma used to make a similar dish, though hers probably involved a lot more butter and less "honey." The incredible aroma that would fill the house, though? Unforgettable. This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe captures that comforting feeling in a healthier, faster way. It's a taste of nostalgia without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 teaspoons cold water (slurry)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer. Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine and Glaze: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to glaze the chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired). Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken!
Honey Garlic Chicken
A quick, healthy(ish!), and flavorful weeknight meal featuring tender chicken in a shiny, sweet, and savory honey garlic glaze.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Bring the sauce to a simmer. Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the honey garlic sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to glaze the chicken.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if desired). Serve hot over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken!sesame seeds, chopped green onions