Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado, canola, or light olive oil); 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce; 3 tablespoons water or low sodium chicken broth; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; sliced green onions; toasted sesame seeds; extra red pepper flakes

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe hits that perfect sweet, sticky, garlicky spot with juicy chicken and a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. It works for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual guests, and you can get it on the table in about 30 minutes. I have cooked some version of this dish at least a hundred times, and it still makes my kitchen smell like pure happiness.

Why Make This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe at Home

You control the sweetness, the garlic level, and the quality of the chicken, which makes a huge difference in flavor. Takeout versions often taste too sweet or too salty, while this version tastes balanced, bold, and super saucy.

You also save money and time, since this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe uses simple pantry staples. Clean-up stays easy because everything cooks in one skillet, which means more time on the couch and less time at the sink.

“This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe tastes better than my favorite takeout spot and comes together faster than delivery. ★★★★★”

Ingredients You Need

Chicken

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
- Use thighs for juicy, tender chicken that stays moist.
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat; cut them into equal-size pieces so they cook evenly.
1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Helps the chicken brown and gives the sauce a silky texture.
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)

Honey Garlic Sauce

1/3 cup honey
- Any mild honey works; clover or wildflower honey both taste great.
- Avoid super strong or flavored honey, which can overpower the garlic.
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- Low sodium keeps the sauce from tasting too salty.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free option.
3 tablespoons water or low sodium chicken broth
4 large garlic cloves, minced
- Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder, for the best flavor.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Adds brightness and keeps the sauce from tasting flat.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Optional but adds a nice nutty aroma.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Adjust to taste or skip if you want a mild Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Thickens the sauce so it coats the chicken.

Optional Garnishes

Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Extra red pepper flakes

Pantry Shortcuts & Substitutions

Use jarred minced garlic in water if you need a shortcut, but drain it well so it does not water down the sauce.
Use pre-cut chicken strips from the store to save prep time.
Use bottled stir fry sauce in a pinch and whisk in honey and extra garlic to mimic the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe flavor.

Equipment

Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet
Cutting board and sharp knife
Small bowl for sauce
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Tips & Mistakes

Cut the chicken into equal-size pieces so it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Pat the chicken dry before you coat it with cornstarch so it browns instead of steaming.
Heat the pan until it feels hot before you add the oil and chicken, or the chicken will turn pale and soggy.
Avoid crowding the pan; cook in two batches if needed so the chicken sears properly.
Stir the sauce ingredients until the cornstarch dissolves completely, or you will see little white lumps in the pan.
Add the garlic to the pan after the chicken browns, not at the start, so the garlic does not burn and taste bitter.
Keep the heat at medium when the sauce thickens, since high heat can scorch the honey.
Taste the sauce at the end and adjust with a splash of vinegar for brightness or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Do not walk away from the stove once the sauce starts to bubble, since it thickens quickly.
Let the chicken rest off the heat for a couple of minutes so the sauce clings and the juices settle.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and place them in a bowl. Pat them dry with paper towels so excess moisture does not interfere with browning. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon cornstarch over the chicken and toss until every piece looks lightly coated.

Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, water or broth, minced garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and the cornstarch dissolves. Set the bowl near the stove so you can grab it quickly when the chicken finishes browning.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add the oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer and leave a little space between pieces. Cook the chicken without moving it for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the pieces look golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Add Garlic Aroma and Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and pour the honey garlic sauce into the empty side. Stir the sauce as it bubbles, then toss it with the chicken so every piece gets coated.

Step 5: Thicken and Glaze

Let the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and cling to the chicken. Turn off the heat, taste, and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or extra honey if needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken. Give everything a final gentle toss so the garnishes mix in. Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe hot over your favorite base.

Variations I've Tried

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs and shorten the cook time slightly so the meat stays tender. Swap the chicken for shrimp and cook the shrimp just until they turn pink, then add the sauce and simmer briefly. Add vegetables like broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers to the skillet after the chicken browns and cook them until crisp tender before you add the sauce.

Stir in a spoonful of chili garlic sauce or sriracha if you want a spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a bright, warm kick. Use a splash of orange juice in place of some of the water for a citrus twist.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Spoon the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe over steamed white rice, brown rice, or fluffy jasmine rice so the grains soak up every bit of sauce. Serve it with simple sides like steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a crunchy cucumber salad. Wrap leftovers in warm tortillas or lettuce leaves for a quick lunch. Kids usually love this dish, so it works well as a family friendly dinner with fruit on the side.

How to store

Cool the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe to room temperature within 1 hour, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions in freezer safe containers or bags for up to 3 months, and label with the date so you keep track.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, and stir until hot.
Use the microwave for single portions, heat in short bursts, and stir between each burst so the chicken heats evenly without drying out.