Published on
Last updated on
Honey Garlic Chicken
This easy flavorful honey garlic chicken recipe can be made right from the comfort of your home.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
Honey garlic chicken will curb any craving for delicious Asian cuisine. No need to order Chinese takeout to enjoy the crispy, deliciousness of tender chicken in sauce served over rice.
Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients
This honey garlic chicken recipe is a tantalizing blend of flavors featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, cooked in a mix of butter and sesame oil.
The dish is elevated with a sticky honey glaze, balanced by the heat of chili sauce and the depth of soy sauce.
Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a harmonious combination of sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
You’ll need:
- 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of butter, divided in half
- 1½ tablespoons of sesame oil
- ½ cup of finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (or 1⅛ cups total) of honey
- 2 tablespoons of chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
PRO TIP:
You can find sesame oil in two places at the grocery store. It can be found in the baking aisle in the oil section. You can also find it with Asian foods as well. It is usually cheaper if you pick the oil that is in with the Asian foods.
Substitutions And Additions
SESAME OIL: You could also use olive oil in place of sesame oil. If you prefer to use avocado oil or sunflower oil, those would work just fine as well.
RICE: Honey garlic chicken would be delicious served over any type of rice (make sure you try our popular chicken and rice casserole, too!).
I love jasmine rice and tend to have it at home, so I usually use that for this recipe, but you could use any type of white rice or brown rice as well.
MINCED GARLIC: Fresh garlic is fantastic, but in a pinch, you can use garlic paste or pre-minced garlic from a jar.
CHILI SAUCE: If you prefer less heat or don’t have chili sauce, consider substituting it with ketchup or even a sweet barbecue sauce.
This swap will tone down the spiciness and infuse a different sweet and tangy dimension to your dish.
HONEY: For a vegan twist, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
SOY SAUCE: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or simply want to change things up, opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
These alternatives are gluten-free and offer a slightly different flavor profile but work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
How To Make This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Let’s walk through the process of cooking the chicken in a pan on the stove before coating it in the sticky honey garlic sauce.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
To keep this recipe at a quick prep and cooking time, you’ll want to be sure that your chicken is fully thawed before you begin cooking it.
STEP ONE: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
STEP TWO: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add half of the chicken and cook until it begins to turn golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan onto a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm. Drain the skillet.
Using the remaining one tablespoon of butter, repeat these steps for the remaining chicken.
STEP THREE: Heat the sesame oil in the same large skillet. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add minced garlic. Saute for one minute more.
PRO TIP:
Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.
STEP FOUR: Add the honey, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced enough to coat a spoon.
STEP FIVE: Return the chicken to the pan, stirring to coat the chicken with the garlic and honey sauce, and simmer for 7 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
STEP SIX: Serve the chicken over rice. Sprinkle the chicken with the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
How To Serve
Serve this delicious chicken over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice with our simple sauteed vegetables on the side for a delicious dinner on busy nights when the whole family is hungry.
Transform your honey garlic chicken into a fun and flavorful taco filling. Warm up soft flour tortillas and layer them with the chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
We have plenty of easy chicken recipes that are better than takeout. Our sesame chicken and Kung Pao chicken are two more winners.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES
Storing This Honey Chicken Recipe
Now that you’ve savored the delicious honey garlic chicken, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers or prepare this dish ahead of time for convenience.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’re looking to save time on a busy weeknight, you can prepare the honey garlic chicken sauce in advance.
Simply make the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When you’re ready to cook, marinate the chicken as per the recipe and follow the cooking instructions.
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover honey garlic chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will stay good this way for three to five days.
IN THE FREEZER: Honey garlic chicken also makes for a great freezer meal. You can make a double batch or throw the leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to eat, move the chicken to the fridge to allow it to thaw.
REHEATING: When it’s time to enjoy your stored or frozen honey garlic chicken, there are a few reheating methods to choose from:
- OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through.
- STOVETOP: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until the chicken reaches your desired temperature.
- MICROWAVE: For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until it’s hot.
Why We Love This Recipe
FLAVOR HARMONY: The sweet and savory combination of honey and garlic in this dish creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent.
QUICK AND EASY: This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With step-by-step instructions and minimal prep work, it’s an accessible option for both novice and experienced cooks.
FAMILY FAVORITE: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Its crowd-pleasing flavors and appealing presentation make it a reliable go-to option for gatherings and special occasions.
Nothing beats crispy, sweet, and tangy chicken from your favorite Chinese takeout. Honey garlic chicken is the absolutely perfect thing to curb your cravings. This recipe is super easy to make at home, it’s delicious and full of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this delicious recipe?
Boneless chicken thighs would also be delicious in this honey chicken recipe.
Can I freeze leftover honey garlic chicken?
This great recipe can be kept frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
My sauce won’t thicken. Is there a way I can fix this?
If you would like a thicker sauce, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce. This will thicken up the sauce.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chinese Chicken Salad Recipe
- Crispy Honey Chicken
- One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Sesame Chicken
- Mongolian Beef
- Korean Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken
This easy flavorful honey garlic chicken recipe can be made right from the comfort of your home.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 42 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided in half
- 1½ tablespoons sesame oil, or olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1⅛ cups honey, (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add half of the chicken and cook until it begins to turn golden brown on all sides, but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan onto a plate lined with a paper towel and keep warm. Drain the skillet. Using the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, repeat these steps for the remaining chicken.
- Heat the sesame oil in the same large skillet. Add the onion and saute until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic. Saute for one minute more.
- Add the honey, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced enough to coat a spoon.
- Return the chicken to the pan, stirring to coat the chicken with the sauce, and simmer for 7 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve the chicken over rice. Sprinkle the chicken with the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- You can find sesame oil in two places at the grocery store. It can be found in the baking aisle in the oil section. You can also find it with Asian foods as well. It is usually cheaper if you pick the oil that is in with the Asian foods.
- To keep this recipe at a quick prep and cooking time, you’ll want to be sure that your chicken is fully thawed before you begin cooking it.
- Keep your pan a bit cooler to not burn the garlic. You can always turn it up higher if needed, but burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 681kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 2337mg | Potassium: 1017mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Comments
jay platte says
mmmmmm, so delicious!