Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky, with tender pieces of chicken coated in a glossy homemade sauce. The blend of honey, garlic, and soy creates a perfect balance of comfort and flavor in every bite. It cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste. A simple, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers takeout-style goodness at home.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs about 3–4 pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil for searing
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Optional Thickener
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water to mix with cornstarch
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry.
- This helps the chicken brown instead of steam. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When the oil is hot, add the chicken. Leave space between each piece so it sears instead of turning pale.
- Sear the chicken.
- Cook each side until golden. Don’t move the chicken too soon. Let the surface get color before flipping.
- Make the sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Stir until the honey dissolves.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet.
- Lower the heat. Let the sauce simmer around the chicken. It should bubble gently.
- Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- The sauce will reduce and thicken. If you want it thicker, stir in a small cornstarch slurry.
- Taste and adjust.
- Add more honey for sweetness, more soy sauce for salt, or a splash of broth to thin the sauce.
- Serve with the extra sauce on top.
- Rice, noodles, and steamed vegetables work well with this dish.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender results.
- Adjust gochujang amount to control spice level to taste.
- Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best authentic Korean flavor.
- Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cook on medium-high heat to caramelize the sauce without burning.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~320 kcal;Carbohydrates: ~14 g;
Fiber: ~1 g;
Sugars: ~8 g;
Protein: ~28 g;
Fat: ~18 g;
Saturated Fat: ~4 g;
Cholesterol: ~85 mg;
Sodium: ~750 mg;
Potassium: ~600 mg;
Calcium: ~25 mg;
Iron: ~2.5 mg.