Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe (Better Than Takeout)
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful dinner, this Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect recipe. Juicy pan-seared chicken is coated in a rich homemade honey garlic sauce made with honey, soy sauce, fresh garlic, butter, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy chicken dinner pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or noodles for a meal the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ready in 30 minutes
Sweet and savory honey garlic sauce
Better than takeout
One-pan dinner
Family-friendly
Perfect for meal prep
Great with rice, potatoes, or vegetables
Ingredients
Chicken
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Honey Garlic Sauce
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with:
Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic powder, and Onion powder.
Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
Honey, Soy sauce, Garlic, and Apple cider vinegar
Set aside.
In another small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Pour the honey garlic mixture into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter until melted.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Spoon the sauce over each piece until fully coated.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, turning the chicken once, until warmed through and beautifully glazed.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions, parsley, and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
Chicken thighs stay juicier and are harder to overcook.
Fresh garlic gives the sauce the best flavor.
Don't overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed.
Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.
Spoon extra sauce over rice for maximum flavor.
Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes.
Honey Garlic Chicken and Broccoli
Add steamed broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
Coat the chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying for a lightly crispy exterior.
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, shred the chicken, then stir in the cornstarch slurry during the final 30 minutes.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
Steamed jasmine rice
Creamy Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Roasted broccoli
Green beans
Rice pilaf
Buttered noodles
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes. Freeze cooked honey garlic chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them since they dry out more quickly than thighs.
Can I use bottled minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
Is honey garlic chicken sweet?
It has the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors without being overly sweet.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors become even better after sitting overnight, making it a great meal prep option.
How do I thicken the sauce?
A simple cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce in just a minute or two while keeping it silky and glossy.
Final Notes
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful dinner, this Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect recipe. Juicy pan-seared chicken is coated in a rich homemade honey garlic sauce made with honey, soy sauce, fresh garlic, butter, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.