If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a wonderful garlicky punch, this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe will become your new go-to! It is a simple yet utterly delicious meal that features tender chicken breasts coated in a crisp, golden crust and smothered in a luscious honey garlic sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that impresses guests, this recipe brings together everyday ingredients to create something truly spectacular and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role to ensure the dish has that perfect harmony of texture, flavor, and aroma you’ll love.
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds): Medium-sized, boneless, and skinless to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken perfectly and enhance natural flavors.
- Cornstarch (6 tablespoons): Creates a wonderfully crisp coating that locks in moisture.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the chicken beautifully and adding a subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons plus 1/2 tablespoon cold): Adds depth and a silky finish to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers that essential pungent kick that defines this recipe.
- Red pepper flakes (a pinch, optional): Provides a gentle heat that balances the sauce’s sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings a mild acidity for brightening the sauce; apple cider vinegar works too.
- Light soy sauce (1 1/2 tablespoons): Adds umami and depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Mild runny honey (1/2 cup): The star ingredient, infusing the dish with irresistible natural sweetness.
- Chicken broth (3 tablespoons): Helps to loosen the sauce and adds savory richness.
- Sesame oil (1/2 teaspoon): Finishes the sauce with a subtle nutty aroma that rounds everything out.
- Toppings (optional): Chopped parsley or cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for freshness and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts gently until they are evenly about half to three-quarters of an inch thick. This helps them cook uniformly juicy every time. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Then dredge the chicken in cornstarch, which will give you that mouthwatering crispy crust once cooked. Be sure to shake off any excess to avoid clumping.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side, checking for a gorgeous golden brown crust. Once they are perfectly seared and crisp, transfer the pieces to a plate and set aside. This step seals in juices and builds a fantastic texture foundation.
Step 3: Create the Honey Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and, if needed, add a tiny drizzle of oil to your pan. Toss in the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. Then add rice vinegar, soy sauce, runny honey, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Finish the Sauce
Return your chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece to ensure they’re luxuriously coated. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional minute to thicken slightly. Once ready, remove the pan from the heat and stir in cold butter and sesame oil to give your sauce that dreamy smooth and shiny finish you’ll want to drizzle everywhere.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes to lock in all those juicy flavors. When plating, pour any remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh parsley or cilantro for an inviting and colorful presentation. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is everything with this dish. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the sweetness. Sesame seeds not only look gorgeous but give a delightful crunch to contrast the silky sauce.
Side Dishes
This honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all that glorious sauce. For a healthier touch, serve alongside garlic sautéed greens or roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to add texture and balance. You could also try buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz this up for a dinner party? Slice the chicken into strips and arrange on a platter with extra sauce drizzled artistically on top. Garnish with edible flowers for a touch of elegance or serve over whole grain noodles tossed in scallions and sesame oil for a twist on classic flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days, ready to be enjoyed all over again without losing that wonderful flavor.
Freezing
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe freezes well! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat to prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crispy texture of the chicken intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will bring a juicier, more flavorful option. Just adjust cooking time slightly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and maintain a lovely crispy coating.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
You can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as alternatives to cornstarch. Cornstarch gives the crispiest results, but these substitutes work well if you don’t have cornstarch on hand.
How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?
The pinch of red pepper flakes adds just a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness of the honey without making the dish spicy. You can leave them out completely for a mild flavor or add more if you like a stronger kick.
Can this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the light soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your cornstarch is pure and gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy it without worry.
What is the best type of honey to use?
Use a mild, runny honey for the best flavor and texture. Clover or wildflower honey works beautifully. Avoid thick or heavily flavored honeys that might overpower the delicate balance of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate — it’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to serve for guests. The balance between the crispy chicken coating and the irresistibly sticky, sweet sauce makes every bite a delight. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of your cherished favorites, making your dinner table a little sweeter and a lot more flavorful.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken breasts coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Quick to prepare and cooked in a skillet, it offers a perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh herbs for added texture and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast (boneless & skinless; about 4 medium-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 tablespoon cold unsalted butter (for finishing sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce & Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mild runny honey
- 3 tablespoons chicken broth
Toppings (optional)
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of 0.5 to 0.75 inch to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish, then dredge each chicken piece in the cornstarch, coating both sides well, and shake off any excess to avoid clumps.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden, crispy crust. Once cooked through and browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly to medium. If the pan looks dry, add a small drizzle of oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. Then pour in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and chicken broth. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Coat chicken & finish sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat thoroughly with the simmering sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer with the chicken for about 1 minute until it thickens slightly. Remove the skillet from heat, then swirl in the cold butter and sesame oil to enrich the sauce and create a smooth, glossy finish.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest in the skillet or on a plate for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Serve the chicken on individual plates, drizzling extra sauce over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to add texture and a pop of color.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, don’t skip the red pepper flakes, but adjust to your heat preference.
- Using medium-thickness chicken breasts ensures juicy results; pounding helps cook evenly.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer before adding the finishing butter and sesame oil.
- You can substitute chicken broth with water or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
