Sticky Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Succulent chicken pieces bathed in a luscious honey garlic sauce create an irresistible weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe combines sweet and savory notes with ease.

The honey garlic chicken comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy households craving a delicious meal.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of golden-brown chicken and a glossy, rich sauce that clings beautifully to every morsel.

Fresh garlic and pure honey form the backbone of this mouthwatering dish, ensuring deep, complex flavors in every forkful.

Tender chicken transforms into a restaurant-worthy meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

What Makes Honey Garlic Chicken So Tasty

• Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up this mouthwatering honey garlic chicken with minimal effort and simple ingredients that come together in just a few steps.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and zesty garlic that creates an irresistible coating for tender, crispy chicken.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that works for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: This recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family meals or potluck gatherings where everyone craves something delicious and comforting.

What’s Inside Honey Garlic Chicken

• Chicken: Tender and juicy meat perfect for a delicious meal.

• Cornstarch: Magical powder that helps create a crispy coating.
• Sesame Seeds: Nutty sprinkle for extra crunch and flavor.

• Honey: Sweet golden nectar that adds a delightful glaze.
• Soy Sauce, Vinegar: Flavor-packed duo for a tangy sauce base.
• Sesame Oil: Rich and aromatic oil with a distinctive taste.
• Chili Flakes: Spicy little flakes for a warm kick.

• Garlic: Fragrant bulb that brings incredible depth to the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh and zesty topping for a burst of color.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for smooth and even cooking.

• Steamed Rice, Noodles: Classic accompaniments to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Honey Garlic Chicken Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and dust them with cornstarch.

Make sure each piece gets a nice, even coating that will help create a crispy exterior when cooking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat up a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat.

Carefully place the cornstarch-coated chicken into the pan.

Cook until the pieces turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through, which takes about 5-6 minutes.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic.

Stir it around quickly to release its aromatic flavors without burning.

The kitchen will start to smell amazing in just about a minute.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Chili flakes

Pour this tantalizing mixture into the skillet and let it simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the luscious sauce.

Let everything cook together for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for extra texture and flavor.

Serve the chicken piping hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that will make everyone at the table happy.

Honey Garlic Chicken Tips You’ll Want

• Ensure even, light coating by using a large bowl and gently tossing chicken pieces to prevent clumping and achieve a crispy exterior.
• Maintain medium heat for perfectly golden-brown chicken without burning, using a wooden spoon to test oil readiness by watching for gentle sizzling.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to personalize sweetness and saltiness, tasting and tweaking for your preferred flavor profile.
• Add fresh ginger or extra chili flakes for enhanced depth, or swap sesame oil with chili oil for a spicier kick.
• Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version, ensuring similar coating and cooking technique for plant-based protein.

Saving and Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken

• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Seal the chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, where it can remain delicious for up to 3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Preheat to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture, stopping when the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Pairing Ideas for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sweet and tangy honey garlic chicken flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's complex taste profile.
• Refresh with Asian-Inspired Slaw: Create a light cabbage and carrot slaw dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, saucy chicken, balancing textures and adding brightness.
• Match with Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed jasmine rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and offers a subtle fragrant backdrop that elevates the entire meal's experience.
• Boost with Roasted Sesame Broccoli: Prepare roasted broccoli with sesame seeds and a touch of soy sauce, creating a nutritious side that mirrors the dish's Asian-inspired flavors and provides a green vegetable complement.

Sweet and Savory Takes on Garlic Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free and using cornstarch from a gluten-free source.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reduce honey amount, and use a sugar-free honey substitute to maintain flavor while lowering carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase chili flakes or add sriracha sauce for extra heat, incorporate fresh jalapeños or red pepper flakes during the cooking process for more intense spiciness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free by checking labels, use alternative oils like avocado or coconut oil instead of traditional cooking oils, and skip any potential dairy-based garnishes.

FAQs

• What does cornstarch do in this recipe?

Cornstarch creates a crispy coating on the chicken and helps the sauce stick better, giving the dish a golden, crunchy exterior while sealing in moisture.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can increase the chili flakes or add hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for more heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.

• Is sesame oil necessary for the recipe?

Sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor and depth to the sauce. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a small amount of olive oil, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest piece to ensure there’s no pink inside and the juices run clear.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance across the palate. Crispy golden edges and tender meat promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 1/2 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Thickening Agent:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cornstarch

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by thoroughly coating each piece with cornstarch, ensuring a complete and even layer that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.
2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating an ideal cooking surface for achieving a golden-brown chicken.
3. Carefully place the cornstarch-covered chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to cook undisturbed until developing a rich, caramelized exterior and reaching complete doneness.
4. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm while preparing the aromatic sauce.
5. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté, releasing its fragrant essence and creating a flavor foundation for the sauce.
6. Craft the sauce by whisking together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a separate bowl, blending sweet, tangy, and spicy elements.
7. Pour the vibrant sauce mixture into the skillet, allowing it to gently simmer and develop a rich, glossy consistency.
8. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, delicately coating each piece in the glossy sauce and letting the flavors meld together.
9. Allow the chicken to simmer briefly, enabling the sauce to slightly thicken and cling beautifully to each piece.
10. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions over the glazed chicken.
11. Present the honey garlic chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles, ensuring a warm and inviting meal.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference for richer or leaner meat.
• Ensure cornstarch coating is even for crispy exterior and prevents chicken from becoming soggy.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help cornstarch adhere better and create crunchier texture.
• Adjust chili flakes based on spice tolerance for personalized heat level.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content for health-conscious diners.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan alternative or agave nectar for different flavor profile.
• Cook chicken in batches to maintain high skillet temperature and achieve golden-brown crispiness.
• Let sauce reduce slightly for more concentrated flavor and glossier appearance.
• Marinate chicken beforehand in sauce ingredients for deeper taste penetration.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg