This 30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavor-packed meal featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory garlic sauce. Made with simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Personal Story & Background:
Honey garlic chicken has always been a favorite in my house—it’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and just a hint of tanginess. I love how easy it is to throw together in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on hectic evenings. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned this recipe to get the perfect balance of flavors while keeping it simple and foolproof. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is always a winner!
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for a rich and aromatic base.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized sauce.
- Soy Sauce – A key ingredient that brings umami depth.
- Rice Vinegar – Balances the sweetness with a slight tang.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect glaze.
- Sesame Oil & Green Onions – For a finishing touch of flavor.
Substitutions:
- Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Use apple cider vinegar if rice vinegar is unavailable.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss with cornstarch to create a crispy exterior when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine & Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce fully thickens and clings to the chicken.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a nice sear.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness – Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and tweak the honey or soy sauce to your preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce – Regular soy sauce can be too salty, so opt for a low-sodium version to control the flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with jasmine rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Serve with stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Add a side of miso soup or an Asian-inspired slaw for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and work great in this recipe.
How do I make this spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of gochujang to the sauce.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook the chicken pieces in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
Conclusion:
This 30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a game-changer for busy nights, offering bold flavors with minimal effort. Try it out and let me know how you like it!
Print
30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (adjusted from 4) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This 30-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavor-packed meal featuring tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory garlic sauce. Made with simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Toss with cornstarch to create a crispy exterior when cooked.
-
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Combine & Simmer:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce fully thickens and clings to the chicken.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Substitutions:
- Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
- Use apple cider vinegar if rice vinegar is unavailable.
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Make it Spicy:
- Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of gochujang to the sauce.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Cook the chicken pieces in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, then toss in the sauce.
- Storage:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
[…] Source link […]