Description
This Quick and Easy Honey Chicken recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated in a luscious sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop in just 30 minutes, this dish is a family-friendly dinner that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Honey Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
For Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce later.
- Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through.
- Mix the honey sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until thoroughly combined.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, toss the chicken to ensure all pieces are well coated in the glossy sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or lightly steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
