You are about to make the best honey garlic chicken ever. The sauce? Oh, it’s garlicky, sweet, and perfectly sticky. And the best part? It’s super easy to whip up.
You don’t need a ton of ingredients or fancy skills. I’ll walk you through it, and soon, you’ll be enjoying juicy, flavorful chicken with a sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Important Info
- Servings: 4 pieces of chicken
- Estimated Cost: Around $10 for everything
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 320
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diets: DairyFreeDiet
Ingredients You Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | Chicken breasts or drumsticks |
| Apple cider vinegar | Rice vinegar or white vinegar |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari |
| Cornstarch | All-purpose flour |
| Red pepper flakes | Chili powder or omit |
| Sesame seeds | Crushed peanuts |
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and cornstarch evenly over both sides. This helps the chicken get crispy.
- Heat the oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and let it warm up.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the liquids: Pour in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and water. Stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Coat the chicken: Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, letting it soak up all the flavor for about 2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve hot with rice or veggies.
Notes
- If you want extra crispy chicken, let the cornstarch-coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce.
- If using chicken breasts, pound them slightly so they cook evenly.
- Want a spicier kick? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make extra.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
- Steamed rice – The sauce goes perfectly with plain white or jasmine rice.
- Stir-fried vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great.
- Mashed potatoes – If you want something different, the sweet and savory sauce pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Noodles – Serve with simple stir-fried noodles for a full meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to be drier. To keep them juicy, pound them slightly before cooking and don’t overcook them.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Just swap soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and make sure your cornstarch is gluten-free.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. They help create a nice crust on the chicken.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, but if you add red pepper flakes or sriracha, it can be. If you prefer mild flavors, just leave them out.
