This garlic chicken in a sticky honey sauce comes together in about 20 minutes using just one pan. With a short list of everyday ingredients, it delivers bold, comforting flavors—perfect for busy weeknights or a simple family dinner.
Easy Garlic Chicken with Honey Sauce
- A fast new favorite: This one-pan honey garlic chicken is ready in 20 minutes and is ideal if you want a flavorful, fuss-free chicken dinner. Browning the chicken in the same pan used for the sauce builds deep, savory flavor without extra dishes.
- Simple pantry ingredients: Most items are likely already in your kitchen. Keep them on hand and you’ll be able to make this sticky honey garlic chicken any night of the week.
Ingredients for Garlic Chicken
- Olive oil & butter: A combination of olive oil and butter gives a great sear and adds richness to the sauce.
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works well here. You can substitute thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Flour: Lightly coating the chicken with flour helps form a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce when the pan is deglazed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is recommended—thinly sliced or minced—to give the sauce a bright, aromatic base. Avoid browning or burning it.
- Soy sauce: Adds savory, umami depth to balance the sweetness.
- Seasoned rice vinegar: A splash brightens the sauce and cuts through the honey’s sweetness.
- Honey: The key to the glaze—use your preferred honey for the sweetness and texture.
- Salt & pepper: To season the chicken and finish the sauce.
- Green onion: Thinly sliced for garnish and a fresh finish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken at Home
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece lightly in flour so it develops a golden crust when seared.
Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until both sides develop a deep golden-brown crust and the pieces are nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside while you build the sauce in the same pan.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the pan. When it starts to foam, add the thinly sliced garlic and stir constantly for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—do not let it brown.
Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the honey, a few grinds of black pepper, and a light pinch of salt. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, then return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Warm through for a minute or two so the chicken is glazed in the sauce.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onion and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken
- Slice chicken evenly: Cut breasts in half lengthwise so pieces cook at the same rate.
- Get a good sear: Heat the pan well before adding the chicken to achieve a flavorful crust that enhances the sauce.
- Watch the garlic: Keep the heat moderate and stir the garlic constantly so it becomes fragrant but not brown.
- Deglaze well: Scrape the browned bits from the pan when you add soy sauce and vinegar—those bits give the sauce its rich flavor.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Thighs are an excellent alternative; they’re juicier and more forgiving if you prefer dark meat.
- If using bone-in thighs or a larger quantity, increase sauce and flour amounts to ensure proper coating.
- For bone-in thighs, after searing and saucing, finish in a 375°F oven for 5–10 minutes or until fully cooked.
FAQ
What pairs well with honey garlic chicken?
This chicken is delicious with steamed rice, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, and a simple salad. Sliced avocado adds creaminess, and roasted baby potatoes make a hearty side.
What is the honey garlic sauce made from?
The sauce is a mix of pan drippings from the seared chicken, butter, fresh garlic, soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, and honey. It reduces to a glossy, sticky glaze that coats the chicken nicely.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook a full batch and divide into containers with rice and vegetables for easy lunches throughout the week. Reheat gently so the chicken stays tender.
Storing Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week. Keep the sauce with the chicken to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken
Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Garlic Chicken with Honey Sauce
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a little extra sauce if needed. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces helps warm it through quickly without overcooking.
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