Description
This Quick and Easy Honey Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked to golden perfection and coated in a luscious, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Honey Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated to create a light crust when cooked.
- Heat the oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is hot before adding the chicken for proper searing.
- Cook the chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the honey sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl to combine the flavors of the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the prepared honey sauce into the skillet with the chicken and bring it to a gentle simmer on medium heat to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the honey chicken before serving alongside steamed rice or vegetables.
Notes
- Serve this dish with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of sautéed or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick to your honey chicken.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
