If you are craving a dish that is bursting with sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, then this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary repertoire. Juicy chicken thighs coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce create a perfect balance of sticky and tender that’s irresistibly comforting. This recipe is so straightforward yet delivers such a rewarding depth of flavor, making it a go-to weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. Get ready to enjoy every bite of this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe that feels as special as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create the perfect harmony of texture and flavor. Each one is carefully chosen to bring the right balance — from the crispiness of the coated chicken to the rich and sticky sauce that makes every mouthful a delight.
- 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless): These provide tender, juicy meat that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch): Adds a light coating that crisps up the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors and perfectly seasons the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Gives just the right subtle heat and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For cooking the chicken and achieving that lovely golden crust.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- 4 cloves minced garlic: The star flavor, offering fragrant, punchy notes.
- 110 g (1/3 cup) honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the savory and tangy elements.
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock: Builds depth and keeps the sauce luscious.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a slight tang to uplift the dish.
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to round out the sauce.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley: Freshness and color finish the dish beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes: A gentle kick that balances the sweetness just right.
- Boiled rice: The perfect base to soak up all that amazing sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken thighs in a large bowl and sprinkle with cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. This step is essential because the cornflour not only helps the chicken to develop a beautiful golden crust but also thickens the final sauce, giving you that signature glossy finish in the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Next, heat your vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. The high temperature is key to searing the chicken properly, locking in juices while forming that irresistible, slightly crisp exterior you want.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces skin-side down and leave them without moving for about 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden brown color. Then flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. This ensures the chicken is almost cooked through with a nicely seared crust.
Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium to prevent the garlic from burning, then add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic until fragrant. Cooking the garlic gently in butter creates that rich, aromatic base that perfectly complements the honey garlic sauce.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the garlic is sizzling, combine the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce in a small bowl. Stir these together until well mixed. This concoction forms the luscious, sticky sauce fundamental to the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe’s signature flavor.
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce with Chicken
Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken and garlic. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze every piece of chicken evenly. This step not only ensures your chicken is fully cooked but that it’s enveloped in that sweet, tangy, and savory magic.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of chili flakes on top for a burst of color and a mild heat hit. Serve immediately with boiled rice, letting the grains soak up every bit of the mouthwatering sauce.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley chopped finely adds a lively green brightness to the plate that contrasts beautifully with the deep golden hues of the chicken and sauce. Chili flakes give just a hint of warmth that elevates the flavor without overpowering the dish. Feel free to add a lemon wedge for a fresh squeeze of acidity if you want a citrusy twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple boiled rice, as it’s perfect for soaking up the honey garlic sauce. For a little variety, steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a crisp side salad bring freshness and a slight crunch to balance the meal. You could even serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent comfort food experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried noodles tossed with a handful of sesame seeds and scallions. You might also plate the chicken on skewers, drizzled generously with sauce, perfect for a casual dinner party or family gathering that feels both homey and a bit special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so add a splash of water or chicken stock when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze any extra portions by placing the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze it for up to 2 months for convenience. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a little water or stock will help loosen the sauce, restoring that fresh, sticky glaze we all love from the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work as well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and a bit more forgiving during cooking. If using breasts, watch carefully to avoid overcooking and drying them out.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the light soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and confirm your cornflour or cornstarch is certified gluten-free to keep the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I add vegetables directly to the pan?
Definitely! Adding sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms near the end of cooking can boost the nutrition and add extra texture. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan to keep everything cooking evenly.
How sweet is this dish?
The honey provides a lovely sweetness that balances the salty and tangy elements. If you prefer it less sweet, simply reduce the honey slightly or add a touch more vinegar for extra acidity.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a dinner party?
You can prep the chicken coated with cornflour ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for several hours. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can make it a few hours early and gently reheat when ready to serve for a hassle-free dinner party solution.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a real winner that’s sure to become a beloved favorite. It delivers that perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite, easily adaptable to your tastes and occasions. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking for a simple way to impress at the dinner table without hours in the kitchen. Go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the smiles that come with every delicious mouthful.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken thighs coated in a light cornflour mixture and cooked to golden perfection in a skillet. The chicken is then simmered in a flavorful honey garlic sauce made with garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Finished with fresh parsley and a hint of chili flakes, it’s a perfect sweet and savory dish served over boiled rice, ideal for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Sauce & Cooking
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 chili flakes
To Serve
- Boiled rice
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Add the cornflour, salt, and pepper, then toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated in the cornflour mixture.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook Chicken Thighs: Add the chicken thighs to the hot pan and cook on one side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic, then reduce the heat to medium to prevent the garlic from burning as you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Simmer the Chicken in Sauce: Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces, and the chicken is fully cooked with no pink in the center.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes over the chicken. Serve immediately over boiled rice for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for a tender and juicy texture that absorbs the sauce well.
- Adjust the chili flakes to your spice preference or omit them for a milder dish.
- If you prefer, substitute cornflour with all-purpose flour but the sauce may be less glossy.
- Ensure to not burn the garlic by reducing the heat after adding it to the butter.
- Boiled rice is recommended as a neutral base to balance the sweet and savory sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer but watch to prevent burning.
