Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken – Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Craving a Weeknight Dinner That’s Both Quick and Delicious?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Timing is Everything

Compared to many complex stir-fries or baked chicken dishes that can take upwards of an hour, this Honey Garlic Chicken is a true weeknight warrior, ready in just over half an hour. This makes it perfect for those busy evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table fast!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly crispy, saucy chicken that you’ll make again and again.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy coating! In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the dried chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the honey is fully incorporated. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Pour off any excess oil from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon. Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the prepared honey garlic sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Once the sauce begins to thicken, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly in the glossy sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the crispy chicken.

Step 5: Serve

Immediately transfer the Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~450-550 kcal (depending on chicken cut and oil used)
• Protein: ~30-35g
• Fat: ~20-25g
• Carbohydrates: ~35-45g (mostly from honey and coating)
• Sugar: ~25-30g

Please note: This is an estimation. Actual values can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives & Flavor-Preserving Swaps

Want to lighten up this delicious dish without sacrificing taste? Try these simple swaps:

• Chicken: Use chicken breast for a leaner protein option.
• Coating: Consider using a lighter coating of just cornstarch or even skip the coating entirely and pan-fry or bake the chicken plain before tossing it in sauce. The crispiness will be different, but the flavor will still be there!
• Honey: Use a sugar-free honey alternative or a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. You may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired sweetness.
• Oil: Use an air fryer or bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, reducing the need for pan-frying oil.
• Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos for lower sodium and a slightly different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Fluffy quinoa
• Noodles, such as udon, soba, or even spaghetti
• A side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers
• A fresh green salad for a lighter meal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly by steering clear of these common pitfalls:

• Overcrowding the pan: This leads to steamed, soggy chicken instead of crispy, golden pieces. Cook in batches!
• Not patting chicken dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Always pat your chicken thoroughly dry before coating.
• Burning the garlic: Add minced garlic to the sauce towards the end of cooking or just before simmering to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken thighs cook faster than breasts. Keep an eye on the internal temperature (165°F or 74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
• Sauce too thin/thick: Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to reach a syrupy consistency that coats the chicken beautifully. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If too thin, simmer a bit longer.

Storing Tips

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, it’s best to do so gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to help revive some of its crispiness. Microwaving may result in a softer texture.

Enjoy Your Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken!

There you have it – a recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The crispy texture, the irresistible sweet-savory glaze, and the aromatic garlic and ginger make this dish a guaranteed hit. It’s proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated!

Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your experiences and any creative variations you come up with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Honey Garlic Chicken

• Author: Chef Mia

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Description

ThisHoney Garlic Chickenis a quick and flavorful dish featuring crispy, golden chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles, this dish is an easy weeknight favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces2 tablespoonscornstarch2 tablespoonsvegetable oil
• 2 tablespoonscornstarch2 tablespoonsvegetable oil
• 2 tablespoonsvegetable oil
• 4garlic cloves, minced⅓ cuphoney¼ cupsoy sauce (low sodium recommended)2 tablespoonsrice vinegar or apple cider vinegar1 teaspoonsesame oil½ teaspoonchili flakes (optional, for heat)
• ⅓ cuphoney¼ cupsoy sauce (low sodium recommended)2 tablespoonsrice vinegar or apple cider vinegar1 teaspoonsesame oil½ teaspoonchili flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cupsoy sauce (low sodium recommended)2 tablespoonsrice vinegar or apple cider vinegar1 teaspoonsesame oil½ teaspoonchili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoonsrice vinegar or apple cider vinegar1 teaspoonsesame oil½ teaspoonchili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoonsesame oil½ teaspoonchili flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoonchili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sesame seedsChopped green onions
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. 1️⃣Coat the Chicken:In a bowl, toss thechicken pieces with cornstarchuntil evenly coated.2️⃣Cook the Chicken:Heatvegetable oilin a large skillet overmedium heat.Add thecoated chickenand cook untilgolden brown and fully cooked, about5-6 minutes.Remove from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, addminced garlicand sauté until fragrant, about1 minute.4️⃣Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk togetherhoney, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
2. In a bowl, toss thechicken pieces with cornstarchuntil evenly coated.
3. 2️⃣Cook the Chicken:Heatvegetable oilin a large skillet overmedium heat.Add thecoated chickenand cook untilgolden brown and fully cooked, about5-6 minutes.Remove from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, addminced garlicand sauté until fragrant, about1 minute.4️⃣Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk togetherhoney, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
4. Heatvegetable oilin a large skillet overmedium heat.Add thecoated chickenand cook untilgolden brown and fully cooked, about5-6 minutes.Remove from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, addminced garlicand sauté until fragrant, about1 minute.4️⃣Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk togetherhoney, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
5. Add thecoated chickenand cook untilgolden brown and fully cooked, about5-6 minutes.
6. Remove from the skillet and set aside.3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, addminced garlicand sauté until fragrant, about1 minute.4️⃣Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk togetherhoney, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
7. 3️⃣Sauté the Garlic:In the same skillet, addminced garlicand sauté until fragrant, about1 minute.4️⃣Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk togetherhoney, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
8. In the same skillet, addminced garlicand sauté until fragrant, about1 minute.
9. 4️⃣Make the Sauce:In a small bowl, whisk togetherhoney, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
10. In a small bowl, whisk togetherhoney, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes.Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
11. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to agentle simmer.
12. 5️⃣Combine Everything:Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
13. Return thecooked chickento the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
14. Let it cook for2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
15. 6️⃣Garnish & Serve:Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
16. Sprinkle withsesame seeds and chopped green onions.Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.
17. Serve warm oversteamed rice or noodles.

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Notes

✅Crispier Chicken?Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.✅Sweeter or Spicier?Adjust honey and chili flakes to taste.✅Thicker Sauce?Mix1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon waterand stir into the sauce.✅Meal Prep Friendly:Store in an airtight container in the fridge forup to 3 days.