Name: Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those meals I can always count on to hit the spot. The tender chicken smothered in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze makes every bite feel like comfort food at its finest. It’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and works perfectly for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions.

With a golden brown sear on the chicken and a glossy sauce that clings to each piece, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. I like to serve it over fluffy rice or alongside bright, fresh vegetables—it’s simple, satisfying, and always leaves me wanting more.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken is more than just another chicken dinner—it’s a flavorful masterpiece that I keep coming back to. Here’s why I love it so much:

It uses simple pantry staples I already have on hand.
The sauce is a mouthwatering mix of sweet honey and savory garlic.
I can have it on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
It’s kid-approved and adult-loved, making it a go-to family meal.
I can pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies for endless variety.
The final dish looks stunning with a glossy finish and garnishes.

Once I made this recipe the first time, I knew it would be a permanent part of my dinner rotation.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– ¼ cup honey
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

I start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, I whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and apple cider vinegar to make the sauce.
I heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
I cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked.
Then I pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
After removing it from the heat, I sprinkle on sesame seeds and green onions.
I plate the chicken and drizzle it with any extra sauce from the pan for maximum flavor.

This simple process turns basic chicken into something truly special.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 30–35 minutes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

It’s perfect when I want something fast but still full of flavor.

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I try these fun variations:

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: I add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a kick.
Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Thighs bring a deeper, juicier flavor. I just cook them a bit longer.
Tropical Twist: I toss in pineapple chunks to add brightness and balance the sweetness.

These tweaks keep the recipe exciting every time I make it.

storage/reheating

– Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– Reheating: I reheat it in the microwave or gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
– Freezing: I freeze cooked chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight and reheat until hot.

This makes it great for meal prep or saving extras for later.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, I can definitely use bone-in chicken. I just need to increase the cooking time to make sure it’s cooked all the way through.

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If I’m avoiding gluten or soy, I like using tamari or coconut aminos instead. Both work great in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead, then combine and reheat everything just before serving.

What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

I love serving it over rice, quinoa, or even noodles. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas also make great sides.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, and I often do. If I want extra to drizzle over rice or veggies, doubling the sauce is a great move.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those dishes that delivers every time. The sweet and savory sauce, the juicy chicken, and the easy prep make it a staple I can rely on. Whether I’m feeding my family or hosting friends, this recipe never fails to impress. Once I tried it, I knew it would become a regular in my kitchen—and I think it will in yours too.