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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 70 reviews

Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfectly balanced with the richness of soy sauce and a hint of garlic, this dish comes together quickly and is ideal served over jasmine rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ cup cornstarch (for light crispiness)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

For Serving

  • Cooked jasmine rice or noodles
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat the chicken pieces evenly in cornstarch to help create a slight crispiness during cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry, stirring consistently. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to fully coat with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for an additional 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Serve & Enjoy: Plate the honey garlic chicken over cooked jasmine rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken in cornstarch before searing.
  • Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Sesame oil is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and aroma.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Asian Chicken, Pan-Seared Chicken, Honey Chicken Sauce