When it comes to yummy delicious dinners, nothing beats a flavorful, well-marinated chicken dish that is both sweet and savory. One of the best ways to flavor chicken is by combining the rich, natural sweetness of honey with the aromatic kick of garlic. This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you are looking for easy and different dinner recipes, need a quick weeknight meal, or want to impress guests with a delectable dish, this garlic sticky chicken is sure to be a hit!
This recipe also works great as a honey garlic chicken rice bowl, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s one of the best family healthy dinner ideas, as it’s packed with protein and made with natural ingredients. If you love experimenting with new flavors, try swapping honey with maple syrup to create an irresistible honey maple chicken variation.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Simple and Quick: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
- Deliciously Sweet and Savory: The honey and garlic combination creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies.
- Healthy and Family-Friendly: Packed with protein and good-for-you ingredients.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make extra and enjoy it throughout the week!
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe requires just a few pantry staples, making it an excellent choice for a last-minute meal.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for a crispy coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for a honey maple chicken twist)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra aroma)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice (for a delicious honey garlic chicken rice bowl)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
Follow these simple steps to make this easy and different dinner recipe that will become your go-to for chicken suppers.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly on both sides.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Lightly dust the chicken with cornstarch. This creates a slightly crispy exterior when cooked.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. If using chicken thighs, cook for an extra 2 minutes per side.
- Remove from Heat: Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Thicken the Sauce: In another bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Pour this into the pan and stir until the sauce thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
- Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until well-glazed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate It Up: Serve the chicken over warm, fluffy rice or quinoa.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flavor and crunch.
Honey Maple Chicken Variation
If you’re in the mood for a richer, slightly caramelized taste, substitute honey with pure maple syrup. The natural maple flavor pairs beautifully with garlic and soy sauce, creating an even more comforting dish.
How to Adjust the Recipe for Honey Maple Chicken
- Swap the Honey: Use ¼ cup maple syrup instead of honey.
- Reduce the Soy Sauce: Maple syrup is sweeter than honey, so reduce the soy sauce to 2 ½ tablespoons to maintain balance.
- Add a Dash of Cinnamon: For extra warmth, add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the sauce.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Rice or Quinoa: A classic pairing that makes a perfect honey garlic chicken rice bowl.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or bok choy add freshness and balance.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a hearty, comforting meal.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: A delicious Asian-inspired twist.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness complements the glaze beautifully.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
✔ Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor of freshly minced garlic is much stronger and more aromatic than garlic powder.
✔ Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It helps the chicken crisp up and the sauce to thicken properly.
✔ Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey by 1 tablespoon.
✔ Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
✔ Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Why This Recipe Is One of the Best Chicken Suppers Ideas
There’s a reason why this best honey garlic chicken recipe is loved by so many. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and easy to customize. Whether you make it with honey or maple syrup, serve it over rice or noodles, or spice it up with chili flakes, this dish is sure to be a winner at the dinner table.
For those who are always on the lookout for family healthy dinner ideas, this dish is packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients. Plus, the homemade sauce is much healthier than store-bought alternatives loaded with preservatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! If using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, increase the cooking time to ensure they cook through completely.
2. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then brush on the honey garlic sauce and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for easy and different dinner recipes, this honey garlic chicken is a must-try. It’s quick to prepare, full of bold flavors, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Whether you enjoy it as a honey garlic chicken rice bowl, serve it with roasted veggies, or turn it into a honey maple chicken variation, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Try this recipe tonight and enjoy one of the most delicious chicken suppers ideas that everyone in the family will love! 🍯🧄🐔
