Minute Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken pieces in a sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor, making it a favorite for both weeknight meals and casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: This dish takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for nights when time is limited.

• Rich in Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a bold, balanced sauce that is both sweet and savory.

• Family-Friendly: Its mild yet tasty flavor makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and requires no complicated prep work.

• Versatile Pairing: Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a full meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Salt and pepper

• Cornstarch or all-purpose flour

• Olive oil or vegetable oil

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Honey

• Soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)

• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Season and Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat the pieces in cornstarch or flour.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is well coated.

5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Make it Spicy: Add a splash of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

• Use Different Proteins: Try this sauce with shrimp, pork, or tofu for a new twist.

• Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers to make it a complete stir-fry.

• Go Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch for coating the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly. Add the liquids as soon as it becomes fragrant to avoid burning.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but the cooking time will increase. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

What type of honey is best?

Any good-quality honey works. Raw or local honey adds a richer flavor.

Is there a low-sugar version?

You can reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar-free honey substitute, but the sauce will be less thick and sweet.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Cooked honey garlic chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What sides go best with this dish?

White rice, brown rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles are great choices.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water).

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Simply scale up the ingredients proportionally and use a large skillet or cook in batches.

Conclusion

Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a go-to meal for anyone looking for a quick, tasty, and satisfying dinner. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether served over rice or alongside vegetables, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.