Honey Garlic Chicken is an incredible 12-minute chicken breast recipe featuring a magical 5-ingredient Honey Garlic Sauce! It’s the ultimate quick dinner idea for busy nights, made with simple pantry staples. It’s amazing how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create such a flavorful and irresistible sauce for chicken!
BONUS: This recipe is super versatile—swap the chicken for beef, pork, lamb, shrimp/prawns, or even tofu!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Honey Garlic Chicken is a variation of my popular Honey Garlic Salmon, which readers have loved for years. If I were to list my top 5 most-used sauces, Honey Garlic Sauce would definitely be at the top. Why? Because it’s made with just a few pantry staples, and when simmered with seared protein in a skillet, it transforms into a bubbly, syrupy, and utterly delicious glaze.
It’s DA BOMB! (Yes, I still talk like that when I’m excited—especially over crazy-delicious, secret-weapon sauces like this one!


INGREDIENTS FOR HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for crispiness)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
HOW TO MAKE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN
STEP 1: PREPARE THE CHICKEN
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- If you want extra crispy chicken, toss the pieces in 2 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
STEP 2: COOK THE CHICKEN
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
STEP 3: MAKE THE HONEY GARLIC SAUCE
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using).
- In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
STEP 4: COMBINE AND SERVE
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite side dish.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
HOW TO REHEAT LEFTOVERS
- Stovetop Method: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Microwave Method: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
This recipe serves 4, and each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Total Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Net Carbs: 29.5g
COOKING TIPS
- Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, let the cornstarch-coated pieces sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey to 1/4 cup.
- Add Veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients and save some for drizzling over rice or veggies.
This Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!