Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein for this ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken. Thighs stay juicy, ensuring succulent bites. Pat dry for searing.
• 1/2 cup honey: Provides the essential sticky sweetness and beautiful golden glaze. Use a good quality, local honey for best flavor.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory foundation of our Asian-inspired glaze. Low-sodium allows better salt control.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a crucial tangy bright note, balancing the sweetness in the sticky glaze. Do not use white vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Secret to achieving that perfect thick, glossy, and comforting glaze. Mix with water first to avoid lumps.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Absolutely essential for the “garlic” in Honey Garlic Chicken. Freshly minced offers superior aromatic depth.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, pungent counterpoint to the garlic and honey. Fresh is key for vibrant flavor.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Our cooking medium, ensuring a beautiful sear on the chicken and preventing sticking. Use a neutral oil like canola.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish and seasons the chicken beautifully. Adjust to your preference.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and seasoning kick to the chicken. Freshly ground pepper is always best.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A few drops at the end provides a rich, nutty, aromatic finish. Add at the very last minute.
• 3 green onions (scallions), sliced: Adds a fresh, mild oniony bite and vibrant color as a garnish. Slice on the bias for presentation.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: The perfect crunchy, nutty garnish for an authentic finish. Toast lightly for enhanced flavor.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Chicken:

Cut chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper. Patting the chicken dry first ensures a beautiful sear, crucial for the best Honey Garlic Chicken. Set aside for cooking.

Whisk Sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. This creates the base for our irresistible sweet-savory glaze. Ensure no lumps remain.

Sear Chicken:

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding for optimal searing.

Glaze Chicken:

Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the prepared honey garlic sauce, stirring constantly to coat the chicken evenly.

Thicken Glaze:

Continue to simmer the Honey Garlic Chicken, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a beautiful, sticky glaze. It should cling to the chicken, caramelizing slightly for ultimate flavor.

Finish & Serve:

Remove from heat. Stir in sesame oil. Garnish your Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice for a truly comforting weeknight meal.

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken

To store your Honey Garlic Chicken and keep it fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay delicious for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for too long, as it can spoil quickly – a mistake I’ve made! Discard if you notice an off smell or slimy texture.

For make-ahead convenience, whisk the sauce ingredients together and refrigerate them for up to 2-3 days. You can also cut and season the chicken a day prior. Always cook and glaze the chicken just before serving for the freshest taste.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the glaze is too thick.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve this Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken hot over fluffy white rice for a simple, satisfying meal. For elegance, garnish with extra sliced green onions and fresh cilantro, perfect for any occasion. This dish can easily pair with steamed broccoli or asparagus, creating a balanced plate. Enjoy this comforting weeknight favorite!

My favorite way to serve this is over fragrant jasmine rice, with quick-pickled cucumbers. The tangy crunch of the pickles perfectly cuts through the rich, sweet-savory glaze, making each bite balanced and refreshing. Enjoy this combination!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make The Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free for dietary needs?

Yes, easily! Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version. Ensure all other ingredients like cornstarch are certified gluten-free. I’ve found this simple swap works perfectly without compromising flavor.

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can, but adjust cooking time. Chicken breast cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked, which isn’t ideal. Cut into similar 1-inch pieces and monitor carefully for juiciness.

→ How do I prevent the Honey Garlic Chicken glaze from becoming too thick or burnt?

Stir constantly as the sauce simmers and reduce heat if needed. Over-reducing is a mistake I’ve made, leading to a sticky, burnt mess. Simmer just until it clings beautifully to the chicken.

→ How long can I store leftover The Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken in the refrigerator?

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Always cool it completely before refrigerating. I’ve learned that proper storage prevents spoilage and keeps it fresh.

→ Can I prep or freeze components of this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe ahead of time?

You can whisk the sauce and cut/season the chicken a day or two ahead and refrigerate. Freezing cooked chicken isn’t ideal for texture. Always cook fresh for the best sticky glaze experience.