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Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken glistens with a savory glaze in this featured image.

Honey Garlic Chicken

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers perfectly cooked chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze. It's an easy-to-make dish that's bursting with garlic and honey flavor, guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve over rice, noodles, or your favorite side for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping occasionally. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce (honey, soy sauce, water, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch).
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
  6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  7. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce.
  8. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
  9. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is sticky and glossy.
  10. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).
  11. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh garlic. Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness. Adjust honey and red pepper flakes to your liking. If sauce isn't thickening, ensure cornstarch is fully dissolved, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) to the simmering sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water if needed.