Honey Garlic Chicken
This Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a rich, sticky honey garlic sauce. It’s ready in just 25 minutes and made with simple pantry staples. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress without the effort. Serve it over rice, veggies, or noodles for a meal that’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half for thinner pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for a light, crispy coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for extra richness
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons honey adds the perfect sweetness
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce use low-sodium if preferred
- 4 cloves garlic minced (fresh garlic gives the best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a milder taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
Substitutions:
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness.
- Try gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Instructions
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. (Nobody likes soggy chicken.)
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then coat lightly in cornstarch—this helps create that perfect golden crust.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. (No pink in the middle!)
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds (just until fragrant—don’t burn it!).
- Pour in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Coat the Chicken
- Add the chicken back to the pan, flipping to coat in that sticky, garlicky sauce. Let it cook for another minute so the flavors soak in.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. (Trust me, you’ll want every drop.)
- Serve over rice, veggies, or straight from the pan—no judgment here.
- Dig in and enjoy your new favorite chicken dish! 🎉
Notes
- Want crispier chicken? Use a little more cornstarch for an extra crunch.
- Too sweet? Reduce the honey slightly or add a splash more vinegar.
- Make it ahead: Store the chicken and sauce separately and reheat when ready to serve.