Honey Garlic Chicken

This honey garlic chicken recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pan for quick, easy homemade flavor. The sweet and savory sauce sticks to every bite and tastes better than takeout.

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This sticky, sweet honey garlic chicken tastes even better than takeout. You only need a few simple ingredients to make it. It’s ready fast and cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick weeknight dinner.

This easy recipe walks you through every step from start to finish. Follow the guide below for step-by-step photos and directions. Don’t miss our pro tips, tricks, and most frequently asked questions—all with clear answers.

This honey and garlic chicken brings bold, sticky-sweet flavor with just a few simple ingredients. The garlic, soy sauce, and honey combo makes every bite taste amazing.

It works great for dinner, potlucks, or even meal prep during the week. You’ll love how fast it comes together and how much better it tastes than takeout.

What you'll need to make this honey garlic chicken recipe:

• 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons of butter, divided in half
• 1½ tablespoons of sesame oil
• ½ cup of finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (or 1⅛ cups total) of honey
• 2 tablespoons of chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked rice, for serving

Sesame oil: Olive oil works great if you don’t have sesame oil. You can also use avocado or sunflower oil instead.

Rice: Serve this honey garlic chicken over any kind of rice. Jasmine rice is my go-to, but white or brown rice works, too. Don’t miss our easy chicken and rice casserole recipe—it’s a reader favorite!

Minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings big flavor, but garlic paste or jarred minced garlic will save time if you’re in a rush.

Chili sauce: Want less heat or out of chili sauce? Swap it with ketchup or sweet barbecue sauce for a milder, tangy flavor.

Honey: To make it vegan, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.

Soy sauce: Need a gluten-free option? Try tamari or coconut aminos. They taste slightly different but still work perfectly in this recipe.

Follow along with our step-by-step pictures and directions to make this garlic chicken with honey from scratch. Use the tips and tricks below to help everything turn out just right. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

SECOND STEP: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add half of the chicken and cook until it begins to turn golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the pan onto a paper towel-lined plate and keep warm. Drain the skillet.

Using the remaining one tablespoon of butter, repeat these steps for the remaining chicken.

THIRD STEP: Heat the sesame oil in the same large skillet. Add onion and saute until translucent. Add minced garlic. Saute for one minute more.

FOURTH STEP: Add the honey, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced enough to coat a spoon.

FIFTH STEP: Return the chicken to the pan, stirring to coat the chicken with the garlic and honey sauce, and simmer for 7 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.

SIXTH STEP: Serve the chicken over rice. Sprinkle the chicken with the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

You can serve honey garlic chicken all year long, and it fits just about any mealtime or occasion. It's a hit with both kids and adults, so don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers!

• Weeknight dinner with the family: This sweet and savory chicken makes dinner fast and fun. Kids love the sticky sauce, and cleanup stays easy. Pair it with fried rice or easy zucchini noodles for a takeout-style meal at home.
• Casual potlucks or game nights: Everyone grabs seconds when you bring this to a party or potluck. It's quick to reheat and travels well. Add BBQ little smokies or bacon wrapped smokies to round out your spread.
• Laid-back weekend meal prep: Make a big batch and portion it for easy lunches or dinner all week. It stays tasty and reheats well. Serve with Mongolian beef and noodles or egg roll in a bowl to mix things up.

This honey chicken recipe is always a reader favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It’s sweet, sticky, fast to make, and everyone always asks for seconds.

Here are the reasons why this honey garlic chicken recipe stands out:

• Kid-Approved: That sticky sweet sauce wins over picky eaters every time.
• Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.
• Weeknight Friendly: No fuss, fast cleanup, and way better than calling for takeout.
• Works All Year: This recipe fits every season and stays just as tasty in summer, fall, winter, or spring.
• Customizable: Swap the sauce, change the oil, or pick your rice—this one plays nice with your pantry.

We love how easy this recipe is, and our readers do too!

Do I need to cut the chicken into small pieces before cooking?
Yes, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and soaks up the honey garlic sauce.

Should I cook the garlic before adding the sauce?
Yes, sauté the garlic first to bring out the flavor before you add the honey and soy sauce mixture.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook the chicken—cook until it’s browned and cooked through, then add the sauce right away.

Can I double the sauce if I want extra?
Yes, double the sauce ingredients if you want more for drizzling over rice or noodles.

Does it matter what kind of pan I use?
Use a large nonstick or stainless skillet so the chicken browns well and the sauce thickens evenly.

How will I know when the sauce is ready?
Your sauce is ready when it thickens slightly and coats the chicken without running all over the pan.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in honey garlic chicken and stay juicy throughout cooking.

Do I need to cover the chicken while it cooks?
No, keep the pan uncovered so the chicken browns and the sauce reduces properly.

What should the sauce look like when it’s done?
The sauce should look glossy and thick, clinging to each piece of chicken without turning runny.

What’s the best way to serve honey garlic chicken at dinner?
Spoon the honey garlic chicken over warm rice or noodles and serve it hot for a fast, filling dinner.

Can I serve honey garlic chicken at a party?
Yes, serve it in a slow cooker on warm, so guests can help themselves throughout the night.

Is honey garlic chicken good for kids?
Kids usually love the sweet sauce, so serve smaller portions with plain rice for an easy kid-friendly meal.

What’s the best time of year to serve honey garlic chicken?
Serve it any season—it’s quick for summer nights and warm enough for cozy winter meals.

Can I pack honey garlic chicken in a lunchbox?
Yes, pack the chicken with rice in a sealed container and serve warm or room temp for an easy lunch.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to keep your honey garlic chicken fresh and tasty. These storage and reheating steps make leftovers just as good the next day.

How do I store leftover honey garlic chicken?
Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to five days.

Can I freeze honey garlic chicken for later?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

What’s the best way to thaw frozen honey garlic chicken?
Move it to the fridge and let it thaw overnight for the best texture and flavor.

How should I reheat honey garlic chicken?
Reheat the chicken on the stove over medium heat, stirring often until hot and the sauce thickens again.

Can I reheat honey garlic chicken in the microwave?
Yes, microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to heat it evenly and avoid overcooking.

Honey Garlic Chicken

This honey garlic chicken recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks in one pan for quick, easy homemade flavor. The sweet and savory sauce sticks to every bite and tastes better than takeout.

Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 42 minutes mins

Total Time 47 minutes mins

Course Chicken Dinner Ideas, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 680 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons butter (divided in half)
• 1½ tablespoons sesame oil (or olive oil)
• ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
• 1⅛ cups honey ((1 cup plus 2 tablespoons))
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Green onions (chopped for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Cooked rice (for serving)

DIRECTIONS

 

• Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add half of the chicken and cook until it begins to turn golden brown on all sides, but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan onto a plate lined with a paper towel and keep warm. Drain the skillet. Using the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, repeat these steps for the remaining chicken.
• Heat the sesame oil in the same large skillet. Add the onion and saute until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic. Saute for one minute more.
• Add the honey, chili sauce, and soy sauce. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce has thickened and reduced enough to coat a spoon.
• Return the chicken to the pan, stirring to coat the chicken with the sauce, and simmer for 7 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
• Serve the chicken over rice. Sprinkle the chicken with the chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

• You can find sesame oil in two places at the grocery store. It can be found in the baking aisle in the oil section. You can also find it with Asian foods as well. It is usually cheaper if you pick the oil that is in with the Asian foods.
• To keep this recipe at a quick prep and cooking time, you’ll want to be sure that your chicken is fully thawed before you begin cooking it.
• Keep your pan a bit cooler to not burn the garlic. You can always turn it up higher if needed, but burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 2332mg | Potassium: 1017mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg

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