Honey Garlic Chicken has become a staple in our home, and for good reason! From the first time I whipped up this recipe on a busy weeknight, it was an instant hit. The aroma alone, a tantalizing blend of sweet honey and savory garlic, filled the kitchen and had everyone eagerly anticipating dinner. What I love most about this dish is its simplicity and speed; it truly lives up to its promise of being ready in just 20 minutes. The chicken comes out incredibly crispy, thanks to the clever cornstarch coating, and the honey garlic sauce is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, coating every piece of chicken in a glossy, irresistible glaze. Even my picky eaters, who can sometimes be hesitant about new flavors, devoured it without a single complaint. Paired with some fluffy rice and steamed broccoli, it’s a complete and satisfying meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special, despite its minimal effort. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious chicken recipe that will become a family favorite, look no further than this Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Ingredients

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe uses a simple yet powerful combination of ingredients to deliver maximum flavor in minimal time. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy textures. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken is the star of the show, providing a lean protein base. You can use either chicken breasts for a leaner option or chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful result due to their higher fat content. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick and even cooking, maximizing crispiness and sauce absorption. Using boneless and skinless chicken makes prep a breeze and keeps the focus on the delicious sauce and crispy coating.
1 egg, lightly beaten: The egg acts as a binder, helping the cornstarch adhere to the chicken pieces. It also contributes to a slightly richer flavor and helps create a more golden-brown and crispy crust when the chicken is fried. Lightly beating the egg ensures it coats the chicken evenly. For those with egg allergies, a mixture of milk or buttermilk (about 2 tablespoons) can sometimes be used as a substitute, although the coating might be slightly less crispy.
1/2 cup corn starch: Cornstarch is the secret to achieving that incredibly crispy chicken texture. It creates a light, airy coating that browns beautifully and becomes wonderfully crunchy when fried. It also helps to thicken the sauce slightly later in the recipe. If you don’t have cornstarch, potato starch can be used as a substitute with similar results. Avoid using flour, as it will not produce the same level of crispiness.
2 tablespoons oil (peanut or vegetable): Oil is essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection. Peanut oil is a fantastic choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it ideal for high-heat cooking and achieving crispy results. Vegetable oil is a readily available and more budget-friendly alternative that also works well. Other neutral oils like canola oil or grapeseed oil can also be used. Avoid olive oil for frying at high temperatures as it has a lower smoke point and can impart a strong flavor.
1/3 cup honey: Honey is the key to the sweet element of this dish. It provides a natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the sauce. Choose a good quality honey for the best flavor. You can use different types of honey, such as clover honey for a mild sweetness or wildflower honey for a more complex flavor profile. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can slightly reduce the amount of honey.
2 tablespoons garlic, chopped: Garlic is the savory backbone of the sauce, providing a pungent and aromatic counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey. Freshly chopped garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. Mincing the garlic finely will ensure it infuses the sauce evenly and doesn’t burn during cooking. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar, but fresh garlic will always deliver a superior taste. For a milder garlic flavor, you can slightly reduce the amount or use roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower garlic note.
1/3 cup chicken broth (or water): Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce, enhancing the savory notes. Low-sodium chicken broth is preferred to control the saltiness of the dish. If you don’t have chicken broth, water can be used as a substitute, but the sauce will be slightly less flavorful. In that case, you might consider adding a pinch of chicken bouillon powder for a boost of savory flavor.
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar): Vinegar is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the honey and adding a touch of acidity to the sauce. Rice wine vinegar is a classic choice in Asian-inspired dishes, offering a mild and slightly sweet acidity. Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly fruitier and tangier flavor, while white vinegar offers a sharper and more pronounced acidity. Choose the vinegar that best suits your taste preference or what you have readily available. Lemon juice can also be used as a substitute for a brighter, citrusy acidity.
1 tablespoon soy sauce (tamari or gluten-free for gluten-free): Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness to the sauce, deepening the flavor profile and complementing the sweetness of the honey and the pungency of the garlic. Use regular soy sauce for a classic flavor. For those who are gluten-free, tamari or gluten-free soy sauce are excellent substitutes that provide the same umami and salty notes without gluten. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional): Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat to the sauce, balancing the sweetness and adding another layer of flavor complexity. A pinch is usually enough to add a mild warmth without making the dish overly spicy. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more red pepper flakes to taste. For those who are sensitive to spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Cornstarch is used again in the sauce to thicken it to the perfect glossy consistency. It creates a smooth and velvety sauce that beautifully coats the chicken. When combined with the liquid ingredients and heated, cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, transforming the sauce from watery to rich and luscious.
1 tablespoon butter (optional): Butter adds richness and a beautiful sheen to the finished sauce. It enhances the overall flavor and creates a more luxurious mouthfeel. While optional, a tablespoon of butter at the end elevates the sauce and adds a touch of indulgence. For a dairy-free option, you can omit the butter or use a plant-based butter alternative.

Instructions

Making Honey Garlic Chicken is surprisingly simple and quick, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Follow these step-by-step instructions for crispy chicken and a flavorful, glossy sauce:

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, place the bite-sized chicken pieces. Pour the lightly beaten egg over the chicken and toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated. The egg will act as a binder, helping the cornstarch adhere properly. Next, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of cornstarch over the egg-coated chicken. Toss again until the chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch. Make sure there are no clumps of cornstarch and that each piece is lightly and uniformly covered. This cornstarch coating is key to achieving that signature crispy texture.
Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut or vegetable oil in a large skillet, wok, or frying pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken; you can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a tiny piece of cornstarch-coated chicken into the pan – it should sizzle immediately. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd it. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and steam the chicken instead of frying it, resulting in less crispy chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken cooks properly and crisps up beautifully. Separate the chicken pieces as you add them to the pan to prevent them from sticking together. Cook the chicken for about 2-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the heat of your pan. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the honey, chopped garlic, chicken broth (or water), rice wine vinegar (or alternative vinegar), soy sauce (or tamari/gluten-free soy sauce), red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the sauce mixture is smooth and homogenous. This ensures that the sauce will thicken evenly and be free of any cornstarch lumps.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once all the chicken is cooked and set aside, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (no need to clean the pan, the chicken bits will add flavor to the sauce!). Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. As the sauce heats up, the cornstarch will activate and begin to thicken it. Continue to simmer and stir the sauce for about a minute, or until it thickens to your desired consistency – it should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer for a bit longer, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become too thick.
Finish and Serve: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked crispy chicken back into the pan with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece of chicken evenly in the luscious sauce. If using, add the optional tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt into the sauce. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated and the sauce becomes even more glossy and rich. The butter adds a final touch of flavor and a beautiful sheen to the dish. Once the chicken is well coated and heated through (about a minute or two), remove the pan from the heat. Your Honey Garlic Chicken is now ready to serve! Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is warm and glossy. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes if desired, for added visual appeal and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated, per serving, based on 4 servings. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories
Protein: 30-40g
Fat: 15-25g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Note: This is an estimate and can vary depending on the type of chicken used (breast vs. thigh), the amount of oil absorbed during frying, and specific ingredient brands. This recipe is a good source of protein and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of fat. To make it lighter, consider using chicken breast, reducing the amount of oil, and serving with plenty of vegetables.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This Honey Garlic Chicken is truly a winner when it comes to speed and ease. The minimal prep time makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Most of the time is spent cooking the chicken and allowing the sauce to thicken, but even that is incredibly quick. From start to finish, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those evenings when you need a fast yet flavorful dinner solution.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

Classic Rice:
- White Rice: Fluffy white rice is a classic and simple side that perfectly soaks up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier option, serve with brown rice. Its nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture complement the chicken beautifully.
- Jasmine Rice: Aromatic jasmine rice adds a fragrant touch to the meal and pairs wonderfully with the Asian-inspired flavors.
- Basmati Rice: Long-grain basmati rice is another excellent choice, offering a light and fluffy texture.
Noodles:
- Egg Noodles: Toss Honey Garlic Chicken with cooked egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal. The noodles absorb the sauce and create a delicious combination.
- Lo Mein Noodles: Stir-fried lo mein noodles with vegetables can be a fantastic base for Honey Garlic Chicken, creating a more substantial dish.
- Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy udon noodles are another great option, providing a different texture and soaking up the sauce wonderfully.
- Spaghetti: While less traditional, spaghetti or other pasta can also work in a pinch for a quick and easy meal.
Vegetables:
- Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is a healthy and vibrant side that adds a touch of freshness and color to the plate.
- Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Asparagus: Roasted or grilled asparagus is a sophisticated side that pairs elegantly with Honey Garlic Chicken.
- Stir-fried Vegetables: A medley of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and bok choy adds color, nutrients, and textural variety to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes offer a warm and savory side dish.
Salads:
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy Asian slaw with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing and tangy contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
- Simple Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light dressing offers a healthy and refreshing side to balance the richness of the dish.
- Cucumber Salad: A cool and crisp cucumber salad with a vinegar-based dressing provides a palate-cleansing side dish.
Other Sides:
- Quinoa: For a protein-packed and gluten-free option, serve Honey Garlic Chicken with quinoa.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be a comforting and unexpected pairing, especially for those who enjoy a more Western-style meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory side that complements the flavors of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions:

Weeknight Dinner: Serve over white rice or noodles with steamed broccoli or a simple green salad for a quick and easy family meal.
Casual Gathering: Serve as part of a buffet with rice, stir-fried vegetables, and spring rolls for a casual Asian-inspired feast.
Lunch Leftovers: Honey Garlic Chicken reheats well and makes a fantastic lunch the next day. Pack it with rice and some leftover vegetables for a satisfying midday meal.
Potluck or Party: This dish travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser. Bring a platter of Honey Garlic Chicken to your next potluck or party – it’s sure to be a hit!

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken

To ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can lead to steamed chicken instead of crispy fried chicken. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring each piece has enough space to brown properly. This allows for even cooking and crisping, resulting in the best texture. Working in smaller batches also helps maintain the oil temperature for consistent results.
Adjust Sweetness and Garlic to Taste: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to increase the amount of honey slightly. If you’re a garlic lover, add an extra clove or two of minced garlic to the sauce. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the honey, garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce to your personal preference. This ensures the flavor profile is exactly to your liking. You can also experiment with different types of honey or garlic for subtle flavor variations.
Get the Oil Hot Enough: Ensure the oil is properly heated before adding the chicken. The oil should be shimmering and hot enough to sizzle immediately when a piece of cornstarch-coated chicken is added. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is around 350-375°F (175-190°C) for optimal frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of chicken – it should sizzle vigorously and start browning quickly.
Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Once you add the sauce to the pan, it will thicken quickly due to the cornstarch. Be careful not to overcook the sauce, as it can become too thick and sticky. Simmer the sauce just until it reaches your desired consistency – it should be glossy and able to coat the back of a spoon. Overcooked sauce can also become too sweet or develop a slightly burnt flavor, so watch it closely and remove from heat as soon as it thickens.
Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor (Optional): For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken before coating it in cornstarch. A simple marinade of soy sauce, a touch of ginger, and a clove of garlic for about 30 minutes to an hour can enhance the savory notes of the chicken. Marinating helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor from the inside out, adding another layer of deliciousness to the final dish. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating with egg and cornstarch to ensure proper crisping after marinating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and remain moist even if slightly overcooked. Chicken thighs also have a richer flavor due to their higher fat content, which many people prefer. Simply cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as instructed. You may find that chicken thighs take slightly longer to cook through than chicken breasts, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q2: I don’t have rice wine vinegar. What else can I use?

If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, you can easily substitute it with other types of vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a great alternative, providing a slightly fruitier and tangier flavor. White vinegar can also be used, offering a sharper and more pronounced acidity. Lemon juice is another option for a brighter, citrusy flavor. All of these substitutes will work well in balancing the sweetness of the honey and adding the necessary acidity to the sauce. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste as needed.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Honey Garlic Chicken can easily be made gluten-free. The key ingredient to substitute is soy sauce. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is typically made without wheat, making it a gluten-free option. Always double-check the label to ensure it is certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary requirements. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Q4: Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

While Honey Garlic Chicken is best served immediately for optimal crispiness, you can prepare certain components ahead of time. You can cut the chicken and prepare the sauce mixture in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply fry the chicken and then heat up the sauce and combine. For leftovers, store the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheating can make the chicken slightly less crispy, but it will still be delicious. To reheat, you can pan-fry the chicken briefly or microwave it gently.

Q5: How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

The thickness of the honey garlic sauce is primarily controlled by the cornstarch. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch to the sauce mixture (start with 1/2 teaspoon more). Ensure you whisk it in thoroughly to avoid lumps. If you find the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Simmer the sauce briefly after adding more liquid to allow it to thicken again slightly. Adjusting the simmering time also affects the sauce thickness; longer simmering will reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce further.