Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless); 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves minced garlic; 110 g (1/3 cup) honey; 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 tsp chilli flakes; Boiled rice

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 5 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe because it is one of those magical dishes that hits all the right notes for me—sweet, savory, and just the right little kick of spice. The tender chicken thighs caramelized in a delectable honey garlic sauce always feel like a special treat but come together so quickly and easily that it’s become my go-to comfort meal for busy weeknights. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why this recipe has such a permanent spot in my dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

What really gets me excited about this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is how the flavors instantly come alive. The honey brings a rich sweetness that beautifully balances the aromatic garlic and sharpness of rice vinegar, while the soy sauce adds that perfect hint of umami. Throw in a little chili flakes for subtle heat, and every bite is bursting with layers of flavor. I find it incredibly satisfying to have a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh simultaneously.

Another reason I adore making this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to prepare without sacrificing any taste or complexity. With simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy entree in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m thrown a curveball after work or hosting friends last-minute, this dish is my secret weapon. Plus, it’s so versatile—it fits right into casual weeknight dinners or more festive occasions without skipping a beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black pan filled with several golden-brown cooked pieces, each piece slightly shiny with a sticky, amber-colored sauce being poured over one piece from a metal spoon. The pieces are garnished with small green herb bits and red chili flakes, giving a speckled effect of green and red colors over the warm golden surface. The sauce appears thick and glossy, pooling slightly in the pan around the pieces. The texture of the cooked pieces is uneven and crispy in places, indicating a well-cooked surface with a moist inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance between sweet, savory, and tangy. They’re straightforward but essential, turning simple chicken thighs into something truly mouthwatering with amazing color, texture, and flavor.

8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless): I prefer thighs for their juicy richness that stays tender during cooking.
2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch): Helps create a delicate coating that crisps up the chicken beautifully.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overpowering.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle, warm spice that complements the sweetness of the honey.
2 tbsp vegetable oil: Perfect for a high-heat sear, giving the chicken a golden crust.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: Brings richness to the sauce and balances the acidity.
4 cloves minced garlic: The heart of the recipe’s signature aromatic flavor.
110 g (1/3 cup) honey: Provides that luscious sweetness that glazes the chicken.
80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock: Adds depth and moistness to the sauce.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with a bright, tangy lift.
1 tbsp light soy sauce: Infuses the sauce with savory umami and color.
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
1/2 tsp chilli flakes: Gives a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Boiled rice: The perfect neutral bed to soak up all that glorious sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and sprinkle over the cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the cornflour mixture. This little step is key to getting a lovely crispy texture on the outside.

Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat until shimmering hot. You want that good sizzle when the chicken hits the pan for maximum browning.

Step 3: Add the chicken thighs to the pan, careful not to crowd them. Cook on one side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin side turns golden brown and crisp. Then flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes. The goal here is a crusty exterior while keeping them juicy inside.

Step 4: Lower the heat to medium, add the unsalted butter to the pan, and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for a minute or so, stirring often to prevent burning—garlic can go bitter fast if left unattended!

Step 5: While the garlic is cooking, whisk together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce in a small bowl. This is your magic sauce that will glaze the chicken perfectly.

Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken and garlic. Turn the heat back up to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze and the chicken is cooked through with no pink in the center.

Step 7: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes over the chicken. Serve immediately over freshly boiled rice so each juicy piece is balanced with soft, fluffy grains that soak up every drop of sauce.

Servings and Timing

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe serves 4 generous portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and 10 minutes to cook the dish, totaling about 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed, so you can enjoy this flavorful meal straight off the stove, piping hot and fresh.

How to Serve This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

A close-up view of a white plate filled with one main layer of white cooked rice, topped with multiple golden brown pieces of chicken coated in a shiny, sticky sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with small red chili flakes and chopped green herbs, adding a mix of red and green colors over the glossy, caramelized texture of the chicken. The background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I usually serve this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe spooned over steaming boiled rice, which is heavenly for soaking up all the sticky, flavorful sauce. For some added texture and color, I love to include a side of steamed greens like broccoli or bok choy—these crisp vegetables balance the richness and add freshness to the plate. Another favorite of mine is roasted or stir-fried snap peas for a sweet crunch.

Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh chopped parsley or even sliced spring onions on top right before serving to brighten up the dish visually and add a hint of freshness to each bite. If I’m feeling adventurous, a light squeeze of lime juice gives it a lively last-minute zing. For drinks, a chilled glass of Riesling or a crisp cider pairs beautifully to complement the sweetness and spice, while a ginger ale or jasmine tea works wonderfully if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.

This dish truly shines for weeknight meals when I want something quick but impressive, but I’ve also made it for casual dinner parties where it always gets rave reviews. It’s best served hot or warm so the sauce remains perfectly glossy and the chicken juicy. Portion-wise, plan on about two thighs per person for a satisfying main dish portion.

Variations

If you want to switch things up with this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, I highly recommend trying different protein options like chicken breasts for a leaner choice or even tofu for a vegetarian spin—just adjust cooking times accordingly. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your cornstarch.

Flavor-wise, you could add a splash of orange juice or a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for a fresh citrusy or zingy warmth twist. If you crave more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of sriracha into the sauce before simmering. Cooking methods can vary too: if you prefer oven cooking, sear the chicken on the stove, then finish in a hot oven with the sauce to achieve a slightly different texture but equally delicious result.

I also love to experiment with garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or chopped roasted peanuts for an added crunch and nutty dimension. These variations keep the recipe exciting and adaptable to whatever you have on hand or mood strikes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best for preserving the moisture and preventing any lingering odors. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing and refrigerating to keep it fresh and safe.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. When freezing, it’s helpful to label the container with the date and reheat instructions so you don’t forget the magic inside.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible as that can toughen the chicken or make the sauce unevenly hot. Stir occasionally and heat just until warmed through to maintain juicy texture and glossy sauce. Serve immediately for best taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner cuts. Just be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so reduce cooking time slightly and keep an eye on them while simmering in the sauce to retain moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The only ingredient to watch is the soy sauce, which can contain gluten. Opt for a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative to keep this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe includes only a mild amount of chili flakes for a subtle warmth that enhances flavor but doesn’t overpower. You can adjust the heat level easily by increasing or decreasing the chili flakes or adding fresh sliced chili for more kick.

What can I serve instead of boiled rice?

While boiled rice is perfect for soaking up the sauce, I often serve this with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles to mix things up. Roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes are also delicious alternatives if you want something heartier.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken with cornflour and seasoning in advance and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time to save a few minutes on the day you plan to cook.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe a try because it’s become such a beloved meal in my home for good reason. It’s simple, fast, and packed with incredible flavor that feels both comforting and special. Once you experience how juicy the chicken stays and how the sauce perfectly coats every bite, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite dishes to whip up again and again.