Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487081H50M4S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/drumsticks); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking); Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory depth of garlic, creating a delicious glaze that coats tender chicken. The chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you serve it with rice, vegetables, or simply on its own, this dish is sure to be a hit at any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The honey gives the chicken a rich, sticky glaze, while the garlic adds an aromatic depth of flavor that’s irresistible. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or a weekend family dinner. The sauce is flavorful enough to be served with a variety of sides, and it’s versatile enough to be made with either chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that’s both easy to clean up and packed with flavor!

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs/drumsticks)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the honey garlic sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Coat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it in the honey garlic sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, basting it with the sauce as it cooks.
Serve: Once the chicken is fully coated and glazed, remove it from the skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a richer, juicier version of the dish.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are slightly fattier and juicier, which will result in a richer flavor.

2. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar as a substitute for honey. Each will bring a different flavor to the dish, but they’ll still give you the sweetness you need.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready, cook the chicken and coat it with the sauce.

4. What can I serve this with?

Honey Garlic Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

5. Can I cook this in the oven?

Yes! You can bake the seasoned chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then brush with the honey garlic sauce for the final 5 minutes of cooking. Baste the chicken with the sauce and broil it for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

6. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to reduce further. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the sauce to thicken it quickly.

7. Can I make this dish with bone-in chicken?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook (about 30-35 minutes, depending on the size), so be sure to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Can I use tamari for a gluten-free version?

Yes, tamari is a great gluten-free substitute for soy sauce. It has a slightly richer flavor, making it perfect for this recipe.

9. Can I make this dish in the slow cooker?

Yes! You can cook the chicken in the slow cooker and then add the honey garlic sauce at the end. Cook the chicken on low for 3-4 hours, then whisk together the sauce ingredients and pour over the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

10. How can I make this dish even more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, try adding ginger to the sauce or marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic before cooking. You can also experiment with adding a splash of sesame oil for a more savory depth.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory to your table. With its rich honey garlic glaze and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you serve it with rice, vegetables, or just on its own, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor that everyone will love.

Chef MARTHA