Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Sticky, tender chicken thighs glazed in a rich honey garlic sauce make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe an irresistible dish perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful meal in only 20 minutes. This recipe stands out due to its ease of preparation and the delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This honey garlic chicken is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of ingredients required, it’s easy to make without needing a long grocery list.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or noodles, or pair it with fresh veggies for a complete meal.
- Healthier Takeout Alternative: Enjoy delicious flavors that are better than takeout without the added calories and preservatives.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make cooking this honey garlic chicken even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan (skillet): A good-quality frying pan ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken, which is essential for flavor.
- Bowl: A bowl is necessary for mixing the cornflour, salt, and pepper with the chicken, ensuring even coating.
Ingredients
Sticky tender boneless chicken thighs in a garlic, soy and honey sauce. Minimal ingredients, simple to prepare and ready in 20 minutes!
Chicken Thighs
- 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
Coating Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
Sauce Ingredients
- 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
Garnish
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
To Serve
- boiled rice
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl.
- Add the cornflour, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Toss the chicken until fully coated with the mixture.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Add the coated chicken thighs to the pan.
- Cook on one side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
- Turn over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic
- Add unsalted butter to the pan; let it melt.
- Stir in minced garlic while turning down the heat to medium to prevent burning.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce.
- Stir until well mixed.
Step 6: Combine Sauce with Chicken
- Pour the sauce into the pan with chicken.
- Increase heat to bring sauce to a boil.
- Simmer for 4-5 minutes until reduced and thickened; ensure chicken is cooked through.
Step 7: Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and chili flakes over the dish.
- Serve hot over boiled rice for a delicious meal!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Serving Honey Garlic Chicken is an opportunity to impress your family or guests with a delightful meal. With its sticky sauce and tender chicken, this dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance the overall dining experience.
Over Boiled Rice
- A classic pairing, boiled rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Fresh steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas add color and nutrition, balancing the rich flavors of the chicken.
Wrapped in Lettuce
- For a lighter option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held meal that’s low in carbs.
On a Bed of Noodles
- Serve it over noodles for a comforting twist. The sauce coats the noodles perfectly, creating a delicious fusion of flavors.
Garnished with Green Onions
- Chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a fresh crunch and enhance the dish’s presentation.
With a Side Salad
- A refreshing salad with vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the sweet honey garlic chicken, making for a balanced meal.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
To achieve the perfect Honey Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your cooking game.
- Use boneless thighs: They stay moist during cooking and absorb the flavors better than breast meat.
- Don’t rush the browning: Allowing the chicken to sear properly creates a flavorful crust and enhances texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference; add more for extra sweetness or reduce for less.
- Monitor garlic closely: Garlic can burn quickly. Keep stirring after adding it to avoid bitterness in your sauce.
- Let it rest: Allowing the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain juices and flavor.
- Experiment with spices: Add ginger or sesame oil for additional flavor dimensions that complement the honey garlic profile.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Honey Garlic Chicken can enhance your meal and provide variety. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma complements the dish perfectly while soaking up excess sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread brings an irresistible flavor that pairs well with sticky chicken.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This adds a crunchy texture and bright greens that balance out the richness of the main dish.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a nice crunch and lightness against the savory chicken.
- Fried Rice: Leftover rice stir-fried with veggies makes an excellent side that’s full of flavor.
- Sesame Broccoli: Broccoli tossed in sesame oil adds both health benefits and unique tastes that complement honey garlic chicken.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash offers a sweet contrast to the savory elements in this dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the Cornflour Coating: Not coating the chicken in cornflour can result in a less crispy texture. Always toss the chicken thighs in cornflour for a delightful crunch.
- Burning the Garlic: Cooking garlic on high heat may cause it to burn, affecting the flavor of your sauce. Lower the heat before adding garlic to prevent this mistake.
- Overcooking Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Monitor cooking times carefully, and check that the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Ignoring Sauce Consistency: Not allowing the sauce to thicken can result in a watery dish. Let it simmer until it reduces properly for a rich flavor.
- Forgetting Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your sauce before serving; it may need more salt or honey for balance. Adjust seasonings as needed for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals of 1 minute, checking until heated thoroughly.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth with the chicken. Cover and heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful recipe.
How can I customize my Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
You can add vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may cook faster and require less time on the heat.
What can I serve with this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
Serve this dish over boiled rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! The Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe stores well and is perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add more chilli flakes or fresh chili peppers to increase heat levels according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
The Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious. With its sticky glaze and tender meat, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness level. Try making this dish today!
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, where tender chicken thighs are enveloped in a luscious honey garlic glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes using minimal ingredients. The balance of sweet and savory will impress your family and friends, making it a go-to favorite. Serve it over rice or noodles, or pair it with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal that rivals takeout while being healthier and homemade.
Ingredients
- 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
- boiled rice
Instructions
- Coat chicken thighs in cornflour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over high heat.
- Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side).
- Add butter and garlic to the pan; reduce heat to medium to prevent burning.
- Combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce in a bowl; pour over the chicken.
- Increase heat to boil; simmer for 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley and chili flakes; serve hot over boiled rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs (250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg







