Prepare to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is an irresistible combination of tender chicken thighs, golden and crisp outside, bathed in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and garlicky magic. Every bite is loaded with flavor, thanks to a clever blend of pantry staples that come together in less than half an hour. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply spoiling yourself, this recipe always hits the spot—and it’s so easy, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, you’ll build serious flavor, color, and texture in every bite. Each element in this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is carefully chosen, helping you create a show-stopping dish without a complicated shopping list.

Chicken thighs: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken thighs—juicy and forgiving, they soak up the sauce and stay tender every time.
Cornflour (cornstarch): Just a light dusting gives your chicken a crisp, golden crust, plus helps the sauce become lush and thick.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken early, so you get flavor through every layer, not just the finished dish.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, which is perfect for getting that perfect sear on the outside without burning.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic bloom aromatically without browning too quickly.
Minced garlic: The star flavor—use fresh garlic for the punchiest aroma and sweet, slightly spicy undertones.
Honey: The real hero in this sauce, honey caramelizes beautifully, delivering sweetness and that signature sticky finish.
Chicken stock: Balances the sauce with savory depth, making sure it’s not too sweet; opt for low-sodium if you like to control saltiness.
Rice vinegar: A touch of tang brightens things up and keeps the flavors from feeling heavy.
Light soy sauce: For umami saltiness and gorgeous color—go for light soy so the sauce isn’t overpowering.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a fresh, vibrant finish on top—don’t skip this for that pop of color and herby lift!
Chilli flakes: Just a sprinkle if you like gentle heat, perfect for cutting through the sweetness without overwhelming the dish.
Boiled rice: The fluffiest bed for your chicken, soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken thighs in a large bowl. Sprinkle over the cornflour, salt, and pepper, and then get in there with your hands or a pair of tongs, making sure each piece is beautifully dusted all over. This quick, clever step transforms your chicken—locking in juices while laying the foundation for a lightly crunchy crust that’ll cling to the gorgeous sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat. When the oil shimmers, lay the chicken thighs in, careful not to crowd them. Let them sizzle undisturbed until the first side is deep golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Flip, then cook for just 2 more minutes—this gives you that irresistible texture and color without drying them out.

Step 3: Add Butter and Garlic

Drop in the unsalted butter, swirling as it melts, then immediately add the minced garlic. Stir it all together, and turn your heat down to medium. This keeps the garlic fragrant and mellow, infusing the chicken and oil without burning—smelling this step is half the joy of cooking!

Step 4: Mix the Sauce

Quickly whisk together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce in a bowl. Give it a good stir so everything’s nicely blended—this is where the signature flavor of this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe comes from. The mixture should look glossy and smell sharp yet inviting.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Pour the sauce straight into your chicken pan, turning up the heat so everything bubbles cheerfully. As the sauce cooks, it’ll thicken and coat every nook of your chicken. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (slice one open to check—no pink means it’s perfect) and the sauce is irresistibly sticky and rich.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Scatter over your fresh chopped parsley and a generous pinch of chili flakes for a gentle kick. Spoon your gleaming, golden chicken over gently steamed rice, pouring every glossy drop of sauce on top. Get ready for flavor fireworks!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings life and color to your plate, making the dish look just as lively as it tastes. Add a pinch of chili flakes on top for a beautiful pop of red and a subtle warmth—adjust the amount to suit your spice level.

Side Dishes

Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe over a pile of steamed white rice for classic comfort. If you want to round out the meal, consider adding bright steamed broccoli, crunchy snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad—their freshness balances the sweet and sticky sauce beautifully. Don’t forget an extra wedge of lime for a tangy hit!

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style feast, pile the chicken atop a large platter of rice, drizzle with extra sauce, and let everyone help themselves. Or, slice the chicken into strips and serve in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer. For a picnic twist, pack cooled chicken bites in a bento box with pickled vegetables and sesame seeds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then store your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken slightly but keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.

Freezing

Freeze this dish for later by placing cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the chicken’s juicy texture.

Reheating

Warm up your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce looks too thick. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—cover and use short bursts, stirring in between, to keep everything perfectly moist and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs bring more flavor and tenderness, chicken breasts work well too—just keep an eye on cooking time since they can dry out faster. Slice breasts into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is there a way to make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free version, and be sure your chicken stock is gluten free too. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Definitely! Toss in quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or thin-sliced carrots halfway through simmering the sauce. They’ll soften and soak up the flavors, making your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe even more vibrant.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is just gently spiced, thanks to the chili flakes at the end. You can easily dial the heat up or down—add more for bold flavor, or skip them entirely for a kid-friendly meal.

What’s the best way to double the recipe for a crowd?

To make a bigger batch, simply double all the ingredients and cook in two large pans to avoid overcrowding. Keep the chicken in a single layer so you still get that beautiful golden crust before combining everything in one pan to finish with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe—it’s the kind of meal that always has everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe). Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll fall in love with just how easy, comforting, and satisfying this dish is. Give it a whirl tonight and make dinner something to look forward to!