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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a hint of garlicky goodness, this Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite dinner idea. Tender chicken thighs seared to golden-brown perfection are drenched in a luscious glaze made from honey, garlic, soy, and a touch of vinegar — creating a dish that’s bursting with depth, warmth, and a slight kick if you choose to add chili flakes. It’s comfort food elevated, easy enough for any weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests.

boneless skinless chicken thigh pieces arranged in a neat pile showing their pale pink texture, small heap of coarse salt crystals, scattered black peppercorns and ground black pepper sprinkled lightly, a small glass bowl with golden amber honey glistening under soft light, minced garlic cloves finely chopped and slightly moist in a white ceramic bowl, a clear measuring cup with pale golden chicken stock, a small bowl containing light soy sauce with dark brown glossy surface, glass container with translucent rice vinegar, a pinch of bright red chilli flakes displayed on a small white spoon, 2 tbsp cornstarch powder in a small white ramekin showing a fine powdery texture, a tiny bowl with cold water in transparent glass, fresh finely chopped parsley with vivid green leaves sprinkled loosely, a pat of pale creamy unsalted butter on a wooden board, a small clear bowl with vegetable oil shimmering golden, cooked white rice in a simple white bowl with fluffy texture all arranged artfully on a clean white surface with soft natural light highlighting the colors and textures, some shadows for depth, minimalistic and elegant styling with a few fresh parsley sprigs scattered around for accent overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to make this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role — from the honey that lends natural sweetness to the garlic providing that bold aroma, and soy sauce adding a beautiful umami depth. These essentials come together to transform humble chicken pieces into a memorable meal.

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, perfect for absorbing the sauce.
½ tsp salt: enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
¼ tsp black pepper: adds a subtle heat and depth.
2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing: for a good sear and preventing sticking.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: enriches the sauce with a silky finish.
4 cloves garlic, minced: the heart of the dish, providing that irresistible garlicky punch.
110g (1/3 cup) honey: adds sweetness and that glossy shine we all love.
80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock: deepens the savory notes and keeps the sauce flavorful.
1 tbsp rice vinegar: balances sweetness with a bright acidity.
1 tbsp light soy sauce: brings umami and saltiness.
½ tsp chili flakes (optional): for those who enjoy a little subtle heat.
2 tbsp cornstarch: thickens the sauce to the perfect glaze.
4 tbsp cold water (for slurry): used to dissolve cornstarch smoothy for the sauce.
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley: adds freshness and a pop of color as garnish.
Cooked rice, for serving: the ideal base to soak up that sticky, flavorful sauce.

How to Make Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels — this step is key to getting that beautiful, golden sear later. Drizzle the chicken with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss everything together so every piece is evenly coated, then set aside to let the flavors begin mingling.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce and Slurry

While the chicken rests, mix up the magic sauce. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes. Whisk these together until they form a harmonious blend. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a smooth slurry — this will give your sauce its signature glossy, thick texture.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a bit more vegetable oil alongside the unsalted butter for richness. In batches, carefully place the chicken pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You want that deep golden-brown color and cooked-through tender meat. Once done, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Create the Signature Honey Garlic Glaze

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour your prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Stir constantly as it gently simmers so the flavors meld perfectly. Re-whisk your cornstarch slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the sauce while stirring. Watch the sauce thicken beautifully into that sticky, shiny glaze that clings to your chicken. Toss the cooked chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece completely, and let it simmer for another minute or two to soak up those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Transfer your honey garlic chicken to a serving dish or individual bowls. Sprinkle generously with freshly chopped parsley for an inviting burst of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich sauce. Serve immediately over steaming, fluffy cooked rice to capture every last drop of the luscious glaze.

How to Serve Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

When serving this Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, the bright green parsley garnish is more than just decoration — it adds a fresh contrast to the dish’s sweetness and richness. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions to introduce subtle textures and flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, which acts as the perfect canvas to soak up the sauce’s sticky goodness. For added nutrients and color, serve alongside sautéed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots. A crisp cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar and sesame oil also complements the honey garlic flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to mix things up? Try serving the chicken over garlic fried rice for an even more flavorful base. You can also pile it on top of fluffy quinoa or hearty noodles for a twist. Serving the chicken in lettuce cups transforms it into a fun, handheld dish that’s great for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it will loosen again when gently reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the honey garlic chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently until warmed through and glossy. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce’s texture silky and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts work too, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to keep the meat juicy.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional chili flakes, so you can control the heat level. Leave them out for a mild, kid-friendly version or add more for a bolder kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the light soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep the flavors intact but gluten-free.

What’s the best way to get a thick, glossy sauce?

The cornstarch slurry is key here. Make sure to whisk it well before adding and pour it slowly into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. This creates that perfect, clingy glaze.

Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time?

You can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and store in the fridge for up to one day. Just give it a good whisk before cooking, as some ingredients may settle.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress yourself or your loved ones with a dish that hits every note of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness, please give this Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe a try. It’s straightforward, comforting, and downright delicious — the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat. Trust me, once you’ve tasted that sticky glaze coating tender chicken, you’ll be hooked!

Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

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Description

This Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner idea featuring tender chicken thighs seared to perfection and coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce with a hint of spice. Perfect served over cooked rice, it combines sweet, salty, and umami notes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing

Sauce

1 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
110g (1/3 cup) honey
80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp light soy sauce
½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)

Slurry

2 tbsp cornstarch
4 tbsp cold water

Garnish and serving

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Cooked rice, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then season evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to coat and set aside.
Make the sauce and slurry: In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chili flakes until well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water until smooth to form the slurry. Set both aside.
Sear the chicken: Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add additional vegetable oil and unsalted butter. Sear the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are deep golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.
Prepare the honey garlic glaze: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
Coat the chicken and finish: Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss gently but thoroughly to coat them evenly in the sticky honey garlic glaze. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve: Transfer the honey garlic chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over cooked rice.

Notes

Ensure the skillet is hot before searing chicken to get a nice golden crust.
Do not overcrowd the pan while searing to allow even browning.
The chili flakes are optional; adjust based on desired spice level.
Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
The glaze thickens quickly once the slurry is added, so stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Internal temperature for cooked chicken should be 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Serve with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.