Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Weeknight dinners just got incredibly simple and delicious! This sticky honey garlic chicken recipe transforms basic pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The sweet and savory sauce caramelizes beautifully, creating tender, flavorful chicken that will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect balance – sweet honey, savory garlic, and a touch of tangy vinegar create a sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers exceptional flavor with maximum convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures even cooking and better browning.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Sticky Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sticky sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work well, thighs have more fat content and remain incredibly moist during cooking.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce honey to 3 tablespoons and add an extra teaspoon of rice vinegar.
Make it Spicy: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Perfect Pairings: Serve over jasmine rice, with steamed broccoli, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store separately from the cooked chicken and combine when reheating.
How long does leftover sticky honey garlic chicken last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely first and pat dry thoroughly to ensure proper browning and sauce adherence.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
Coconut aminos or tamari make excellent gluten-free alternatives with similar savory flavor profiles.
This sticky honey garlic chicken recipe proves that incredible weeknight dinners don’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and quick preparation time, it’s destined to become your new go-to meal for busy evenings!
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This ensures even cooking and better browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sticky sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
