This honey garlic chicken is an easy-to-make dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic. It’s a quick and flavorful dinner that I love to make on busy nights when I want something satisfying but don’t have much time to spare. It’s one of those meals that’s simple yet impresses everyone at the table.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
If I like a thicker sauce, I mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then add it to the skillet. Stir the sauce until it thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken can soak in all the flavors.
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. I often garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
Add Vegetables: For an even more hearty meal, I sometimes toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli while cooking the chicken. They pair perfectly with the sauce.
Spicy Kick: If I’m in the mood for extra heat, I add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Use Chicken Thighs: While I typically use chicken breasts, chicken thighs work great for a juicier option.
Gluten-Free Version: I substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store any leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When I reheat it, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat to warm the chicken gently, ensuring it stays juicy. I sometimes add a bit of extra sauce if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make honey garlic chicken ahead of time?
Yes! I like to make this dish in advance and store it in the fridge. It’s great for meal prepping for the week ahead.
Can I freeze honey garlic chicken?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. I freeze the chicken with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
This chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad. I like to serve it with rice to soak up all the delicious sauce!
How can I make the sauce spicier?
If I want to spice things up, I add extra red pepper flakes or some sriracha sauce to the mix. It gives the dish a nice heat to balance out the sweetness.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken works as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so that the chicken is fully cooked through. It may take a bit longer than boneless breasts.
Conclusion
This honey garlic chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, and it comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping for the week ahead, it’s always a hit. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish is one that I come back to time and time again. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please!
📖 Recipe:
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Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This honey garlic chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then add it to the skillet. Stir the sauce until it thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the chicken can soak in all the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you want extra spice, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option.
For meal prep, you can make this dish in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
