Description
Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfectly cooked in a skillet over the stovetop, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over the bite-sized chicken pieces, ensuring all sides are lightly seasoned.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, heating it until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked through with no pink inside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider or rice vinegar, and grated fresh ginger until well combined.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Make the Thickener: In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch with cold water and stir until smooth and free of lumps.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering chicken and sauce. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a glossy coating enveloping each chicken piece.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds over the dish for a fresh and nutty finish.
- Serve: Immediately serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide a juicier result, but chicken breasts are a leaner alternative.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha into the sauce.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute traditional soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken after adding the sauce to keep it tender and juicy.
- Leftover honey garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
