Honey garlic chicken breast with rice and brussel sprouts on a plate. Fork pierces chicken.

Honey Garlic Chicken

by

This honey garlic chicken is the kind of weeknight magic you’ll want on repeat sticky, garlicky, golden bites of chicken bathed in a sweet-savory glaze that’s ready in 20 minutes. It’s everything your dinner dreams are made of juicy inside, golden crisp outside, and that sauce… oh that sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken

There are a million reasons to bookmark this recipe, but here are a few that’ll hook you right in:

  • It’s fast dinner in 20 minutes, promise
  • You only need a handful of pantry staples
  • That sticky, garlicky glaze clings to every bite
  • Works beautifully with chicken breast or thighs
  • It’s better than takeout (and way quicker too!)

Plus, this dish plays well with so many sides rice, noodles, veggies or just straight off the pan with a fork. No judgment.

Honey garlic chicken breast with rice and brussel sprouts on a plate. Fork pierces chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s all you need to pull off this flavor bomb:

  • 2 chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
  • 1.5 tablespoons vinegar (white or apple cider)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Honey Garlic Chicken ingredients: Chicken breasts, honey, garlic, flour, soy sauce, vinegar, and butter.

Swaps & Notes:

  • No honey? Try maple syrup
  • Gluten-free? Use rice flour or cornstarch
  • Low-sodium soy sauce works great here too

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep the Chicken

Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-size chunks. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss in flour until each piece is lightly dusted. This helps create that golden sear and gives the sauce something to cling to.

Sear It to Golden Goodness

Melt butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add the floured chicken and sear each side until golden brown and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan you want color, not steam!

Simmer the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic straight into the pan and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it bubble and thicken for 2 3 minutes. Stir everything to coat.

Honey Garlic Chicken recipe steps: slicing, coating, and cooking chicken breasts in a skillet.

Coat and Serve

Once the sauce clings beautifully to the chicken, remove from heat. Spoon it over steamed rice or straight onto plates. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped parsley if you like a little pop!

Tips for the Best Flavor

  • Use light soy sauce for that balance of sweet + salty
  • Don’t skip the flour coating it’s key for texture
  • Keep garlic golden, not burnt 30 seconds is plenty
  • Sauce too thick? Add a splash of water at the end

What to Serve With It

This dish is versatile here’s what we love it with:

  • Jasmine rice or brown rice
  • Garlic noodles or ramen
  • Cucumber salad or steamed greens
  • Mashed potatoes or mac & cheese (trust us!)

Make It Your Way

This sauce loves company. Try swapping the chicken for:

  • Chicken thighs even juicier
  • Shrimp just sear for 2 3 minutes
  • Tofu pan-fry for golden edges before adding sauce
  • White fish or salmon gentle heat and spoon sauce on top

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water
  • Sauce may thicken after chilling that’s normal!
You might also like it
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
High Protein Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon Garlic Chicken

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely. They’re even juicier and harder to overcook!

Is the sauce spicy?

Not by default but a pinch of chili flakes adds a nice kick.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store separately. Reheat and toss together when ready.

Try this honey garlic chicken tonight and let it be your new weeknight go-to. It’s bold, sweet, garlicky everything we crave when life gets hectic but dinner still needs to hit. If you make it, drop a comment and let me know how you served yours!

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas, or join the fun on Facebook!

Honey garlic chicken in skillet. Close-up of chicken breasts with honey garlic sauce and parsley. Easy dinner recipe.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Ely
Sticky, garlicky, golden bites of chicken in a sweet-savory glaze ready in just 20 minutes the perfect quick and tasty dinner fix!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine Asian-Inspired
Servings 2 servings
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1.5 tablespoons soy sauce light or all-purpose
  • 1.5 tablespoons vinegar white or apple cider
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Slice chicken into thin strips or chunks and season with salt and pepper. Toss in flour to coat lightly.
  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Lower heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  • Coat the chicken with sauce, remove from heat, and serve hot. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Use light soy sauce for balanced flavor, don’t skip the flour for crispy texture, and sauté garlic just until golden to avoid bitterness. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Keyword easy chicken recipe, honey garlic chicken, quick dinner

Leave a Comment