Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ellie Williams
This quick dish features juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. Marinate, cook in 30 minutes, and enjoy a flavorful weeknight meal!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Thighs or Breasts Boneless, Skinless
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1/2 tbsp Salt
- 1/4 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For Frying
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Honey
- 4 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce Low-Sodium Recommended
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar Or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Chili Flakes Optional, for a bit of Heat
- 1 tbsp cornstarch Mixed with 2 Tablespoons Water (for thickening)
For Garnish
- Sesame Seeds
- Chopped Green Onions
Prepare the Chicken
Cut the Chicken: If using chicken breasts or thighs, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Season and Coat: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Pan-Fry the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes (if using)
Thicken the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour the sauce mixture and bring it to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir until the sauce thickens about 1-2 minutes.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, add broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, cook in batches to ensure even browning.