Description
Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This stovetop recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of rich garlic, honey sweetness, and a hint of spice, all garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for a light crust)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. If you prefer a crispier texture, lightly toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch to coat them well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the thickening sauce over the chicken to ensure it is well glazed and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the honey garlic chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more flavor and tenderness, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Double the quantity of sauce if you plan to serve the dish over noodles or rice to absorb the extra sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well and are ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
