Honey Garlic Chicken: A Delicious Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite in many households. As I prepared this recipe for the first time, I was instantly captivated by the aroma that filled my kitchen, reminiscent of family gatherings and comforting meals shared with loved ones. This dish has roots in Asian cuisine, where the combination of honey and garlic is often used to create mouthwatering marinades and sauces.

People adore Honey Garlic Chicken not only for its incredible taste but also for its tender texture and ease of preparation. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or someone wanting to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe is a go-to. The sticky glaze coats the chicken beautifully, making each bite a burst of flavor that leaves you craving more. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Marinade

First things first, let’s whip up that delicious honey garlic marinade that will infuse our chicken with flavor. It’s super easy and takes just a few minutes!

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well blended.
2. Take a moment to taste the marinade. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more honey. If you prefer it saltier, a splash more soy sauce will do the trick!
3. Once you’re happy with the flavor, set aside about 1/4 cup of the marinade in a separate bowl. This will be used later for glazing the chicken while it cooks.
4. Now, take the remaining marinade and pour it over the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that our chicken is marinating, it’s time to cook it to perfection!

1. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. You want the oil to be hot enough that it shimmers but not smoking.
2. While the oil is heating, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Carefully place the chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side without moving it. This will help achieve a nice golden-brown crust.
4. Once the first side is golden, flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. While the chicken is cooking, take the reserved marinade and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry, then add it to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Glazing the Chicken

Now comes the fun part—glazing our chicken with that luscious honey garlic sauce!

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the thickened sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Use a spatula to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This will also help the sauce stick to the chicken.
3. Once the chicken is well coated and the sauce is bubbling, remove the skillet from the heat.

Assembling and Serving

Now that our honey garlic chicken is ready, let’s get it plated up!

1. Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter. You can slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole, depending on your preference.
2. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken for extra flavor.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. This adds a nice crunch and a pop of color!
4. Serve the honey garlic

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around the dinner table. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this delightful chicken with a side of steamed broccoli or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or snap peas, for an extra burst of color and nutrition. Alternatively, try swapping out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different twist that still delivers on taste. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Honey Garlic Chicken a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? How did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to create more delicious meals together! Print
   

   Honey Garlic Chicken: A Delicious Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

   ---

   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time:

     Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

     This honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

     Ingredients

     • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
     • 1/4 cup honey
     • 1/4 cup soy sauce
     • 3 cloves garlic, minced
     • 1 tablespoon olive oil
     • Salt and pepper to taste
     • Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

     Instructions

     1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
     2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
     3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
     4. Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
     5. Serve the honey garlic chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

     Tips and Variations

     If you want to mix things up, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

     • Protein Swap: Feel free to use other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
     • Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
     • Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
     • Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

     With this easy honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

   • Yield:

     Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

     This honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

     Ingredients

     • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
     • 1/4 cup honey
     • 1/4 cup soy sauce
     • 3 cloves garlic, minced
     • 1 tablespoon olive oil
     • Salt and pepper to taste
     • Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

     Instructions

     1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
     2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
     3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
     4. Once cooked, pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
     5. Serve the honey garlic chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

     Tips and Variations

     If you want to mix things up, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

     • Protein Swap: Feel free to use other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
     • Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
     • Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
     • Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

     With this easy honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

   Print Recipe

   Pin Recipe

   Description

   This easy honey garlic chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with your choice of sides like steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Customize it with different proteins, add a spicy kick, or include extra vegetables for a one-pan meal. Ideal for meal prep, this dish is perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

   ---

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

   This honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

   Ingredients

   • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
   • 1/4 cup honey
   • 1/4 cup soy sauce
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

   Instructions

   1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
   2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
   3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
   4. Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
   5. Serve the honey garlic chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

   Tips and Variations

   If you want to mix things up, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

   • Protein Swap: Feel free to use other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
   • Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
   • Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
   • Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

   With this easy honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

   ---

   Instructions

   Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

   This honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

   Ingredients

   • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
   • 1/4 cup honey
   • 1/4 cup soy sauce
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

   Instructions

   1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
   2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
   3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
   4. Once the chicken is cooked, pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
   5. Serve the honey garlic chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

   Tips and Variations

   If you want to mix things up, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

   • Protein Swap: Feel free to use other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
   • Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
   • Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
   • Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

   With this easy honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

   Notes

   Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

   This honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

   Ingredients

   • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
   • 1/4 cup honey
   • 1/4 cup soy sauce
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

   Instructions

   1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
   2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
   3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and add to the skillet.
   4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and golden brown.
   5. Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
   6. Serve the honey garlic chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

   Tips and Variations

   If you want to mix things up, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

   • Protein Swap: Feel free to use other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
   • Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
   • Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
   • Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

   With this easy honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

   • Prep Time:

     Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

     This honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

     Ingredients

     • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
     • 1/4 cup honey
     • 1/4 cup soy sauce
     • 3 cloves garlic, minced
     • 1 tablespoon olive oil
     • Salt and pepper to taste
     • Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

     Instructions

     1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
     2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
     3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
     4. Once cooked, pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
     5. Serve the honey garlic chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

     Tips and Variations

     If you want to mix things up, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

     • Protein Swap: Feel free to use other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
     • Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
     • Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
     • Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

     With this easy honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

   • Cook Time:

     Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

     This honey garlic chicken recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, it combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

     Ingredients

     • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
     • 1/4 cup honey
     • 1/4 cup soy sauce
     • 3 cloves garlic, minced
     • 1 tablespoon olive oil
     • Salt and pepper to taste
     • Optional: sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

     Instructions

     1. In a bowl, mix together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
     2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
     3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
     4. Pour any remaining marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
     5. Serve the honey garlic chicken with your choice of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

     Tips and Variations

     If you want to mix things up, here are a few tips and variations you can try:

     • Protein Swap: Feel free to use other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
     • Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy version of this dish.
     • Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
     • Make it a Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

     With this easy honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!