If you are searching for a dish that perfectly combines sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Tender chicken thighs coated in a golden, sticky sauce that clings lovingly to every bite make this recipe irresistibly delicious and wonderfully simple to prepare. From the fragrant garlic to the vibrant pop of parsley and gentle heat from the chili flakes, each element comes together to create a home-cooked meal full of flavor and soul. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a comforting weeknight dinner, this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first easy step toward an extraordinary meal. These simple but essential ingredients contribute to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe shine so brightly.
- 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless): Perfectly tender and quick to cook, chicken thighs stay juicy under the honey garlic glaze.
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch): Helps create a light crust on the chicken for a delightful texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Ideal for high heat cooking and achieving that irresistible golden sear.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor.
- 4 cloves minced garlic: The star aromatic that infuses the sauce with warmth and depth.
- 110 g (1/3 cup) honey: Brings natural sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish.
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock: Adds savory depth and helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a bright, tangy kick.
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce: Provides umami and a subtle saltiness that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color.
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes: Adds a gentle heat to keep each bite exciting.
- Boiled rice: The comforting, fluffy base to soak up every drop of the glorious sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken thighs in a bowl and tossing them with cornflour, salt, and pepper. This simple coating is the secret to creating a beautiful golden crust once cooked, adding just the right amount of texture to complement the tender meat.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on the chicken that locks in the juices, giving you a juicy and flavorful bite every time.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Place the coated chicken thighs in the hot pan and cook one side until golden brown, usually about 4-5 minutes. Then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This quick cooking ensures the chicken stays juicy while forming that irresistible crisp surface.
Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic
Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely. Then stir in the minced garlic and lower the heat to medium. This gentle cooking releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it, creating the fragrant base for your sauce.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
Whisk together honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce in a small bowl. This combination creates the signature sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profile that makes the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe so addictive.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, while ensuring the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
Step 7: Finish with Parsley and Chili Flakes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and chili flakes over the chicken. These final touches add burst of fresh green color and a gentle heat that elevates the entire dish. Serve immediately over a bed of fluffy boiled rice to soak up all that luscious sauce.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of chili flakes not only brighten up the colors but add layers of flavor and subtle spice to the dish. Consider adding a wedge of lime for an optional zest that enhances the tangy sweetness.
Side Dishes
Boiled rice is a classic side that beautifully absorbs the rich honey garlic sauce. For extra texture and color, steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots pair wonderfully and bring a healthy balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve the chicken atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or drizzle the sauce over roasted cauliflower steaks alongside. If you love wraps, shred the chicken and toss it with some crisp lettuce and slaw for a delicious handheld meal inspired by this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners that still feel special and homemade.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently to maintain the tender texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as gentle reheating keeps the sauce silky and prevents the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster, so watch your cooking time closely to keep them juicy and tender.
Is there a substitute for cornflour (cornstarch)?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder as an alternative, though cornstarch is best for achieving that light, crispy coating without heaviness.
How spicy is this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
The chili flakes provide a gentle warmth that can easily be adjusted. Leave them out for a mild version or increase the amount for a spicier kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken with the coating in advance and keep it refrigerated for a few hours, but cooking is best fresh to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the sauce.
What kind of honey works best?
Any pure, runny honey will do. Mild-flavored honey complements the dish best, but feel free to experiment with different varieties like wildflower or clover for subtle flavor differences.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is pure comfort in a dish that comes together quickly and leaves a lasting impression. Its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes wrapped around tender chicken is the kind of meal that makes you want to invite friends over just to share it. Give it a try—you might find yourself making this recipe again and again because some dishes are simply too good to resist!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, boneless chicken thighs coated in a crispy cornflour crust, then cooked to perfection in a savory honey garlic sauce. Perfectly balanced with sweetness from honey, a hint of tang from rice vinegar, and a subtle kick from chili flakes, this recipe is ideal served over steamed boiled rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
Garnish & Serving
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Boiled rice, to serve
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and add the cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is fully coated with the cornflour mixture, which helps create a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Heat the Pan: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat. This high temperature ensures the chicken browns nicely and locks in juices.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the hot pan and cook on one side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Then add the minced garlic and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium to prevent the garlic from burning while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir thoroughly to mix the ingredients.
- Simmer the Sauce with Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through with no pink in the center.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes over the chicken. Serve hot over boiled rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; minced garlic substitutes are acceptable but less aromatic.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute light soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
