This sticky, sweet, and savory Honey Garlic Chicken is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you are prepping a quick weeknight dinner or serving a dish that has family and friends asking for the recipe, this classic recipe strikes the perfect balance of caramelized crispiness and rich garlic flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1.5 lbs (about 3 large) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
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¼ cup cornstarch
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for high-heat searing)
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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⅓ cup pure honey
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⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 tablespoon water
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4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
For Garnish:
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Fresh sesame seeds
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Green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set the sauce aside.
2. Coat and Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated in a thin layer. (The cornstarch gives the chicken a light, crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce later).
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or non-stick works best) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
4. Build the Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the tablespoon of butter to the same skillet, letting it melt and pick up the golden browned bits from the pan. Add an extra pinch of minced garlic if you love a robust garlic flavor and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Simmer and Thicken
Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture directly into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce reduces and coats the back of a spoon into a glossy glaze.
6. Toss and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing thoroughly for 1 to 2 minutes so every piece absorbs the sticky glaze. Remove from heat, garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and fresh sliced green onions, and serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or roasted vegetables!
