Simple Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, optional
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Cut them into small, evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Season with paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley or Italian seasoning.
2. Make the honey garlic sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until the honey is evenly mixed with the soy sauce. Set the sauce aside.
3. Heat the pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt and become lightly foamy, but don’t let it burn.
4. Cook the chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
For food safety, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Add the garlic-honey sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the honey, soy sauce, and garlic mixture over the cooked chicken. Stir well so every piece is coated.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes. The honey will begin to caramelize slightly and create a glossy coating around the chicken.
6. Thicken the sauce
Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Pour it into the skillet while stirring continuously.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes slightly thick and coats the chicken nicely.
7. Finish and garnish
Turn off the heat and give everything one final stir. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
How to Serve
Serve the honey garlic chicken immediately over:
- Steamed white rice
- Brown rice
- Fried rice
- Egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes
For a complete meal, add steamed broccoli, carrots, green beans, or bell peppers on the side.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary so it browns instead of steaming.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a much better flavor.
- Watch the heat: Honey can burn quickly, so reduce the heat before adding the sauce.
- Cut chicken evenly: Similar-sized pieces will cook more evenly.
- Taste before adding extra salt: Soy sauce already provides plenty of saltiness.
- Make it spicy: Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes or a little chili sauce if you enjoy heat.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Enjoy within 3–4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving. If the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration, add a small splash of water while reheating.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 20–22 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
This simple honey garlic chicken is sweet, savory, garlicky, and wonderfully glossy—an easy weeknight dinner that pairs especially well with rice and vegetables.