This Restaurant-Style Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy homemade dinner featuring tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. The combination of honey, fresh garlic, soy sauce, and a few simple seasonings creates a rich flavor that tastes like your favorite restaurant meal—without complicated ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lb (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and absorb plenty of sauce.
2. Season the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss thoroughly until every piece is lightly coated.
3. Make the sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, ketchup, sesame oil, ginger, and chicken broth. Set the mixture aside.
4. Cook the chicken
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on the size of the pieces, until golden brown and cooked through. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
5. Start the honey garlic sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the sauce simmer for about 2–3 minutes, allowing the garlic and honey flavors to develop.
6. Thicken the sauce
Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until completely smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes. The sauce will become thicker, glossy, and sticky.
7. Add the chicken back
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until every piece is completely coated in the honey garlic sauce.
Continue cooking for approximately 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken.
8. Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Add a small pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
How to Serve
Serve the honey garlic chicken immediately over:
- Steamed white rice
- Jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Mashed potatoes
For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, green beans, carrots, or bell peppers.
Tips for the Best Restaurant-Style Results
- Dry the chicken first: Removing excess moisture helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce much more flavor.
- Don’t burn the honey: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than very high heat.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add a little more honey for a sweeter glaze or slightly reduce the honey for a more savory sauce.
- For extra spice: Add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili sauce.
- For extra crispiness: Lightly coat the chicken with flour and cook it until golden before adding the sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy