Honey Garlic Chicken Ultimate

This honey garlic chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and savory notes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. The sticky honey garlic sauce caramelizes beautifully, giving every bite a rich flavor and delightful texture that your whole family will enjoy.

I first tried this recipe on a busy weeknight and was surprised at how effortlessly it came together. Now it’s a regular request at our dinner table, especially when I want to impress guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into 1inch cubes for even cooking and tenderness
• Cornstarch: to create a crispy crust on the chicken and thicken the sauce, don’t skip it
• Salt and black pepper: to season and enhance flavor
• Large egg: beaten to help the cornstarch stick and form a beautiful crust
• Vegetable oil: for frying, choose one with a high smoke point
• Honey: as the key sweet element creating the signature glaze, pick a quality honey like wildflower for depth
• Low sodium soy sauce: balances sweetness with umami without overpowering saltiness
• Water: helps adjust the sauce consistency
• Rice vinegar: adds acidity that brightens the sauce and tenderizes the chicken
• Fresh garlic: minced brings pungency and aromatic depth, avoid garlic powder for best flavor
• Sesame oil: lends a warm nutty aroma, toasted sesame oil is especially flavorful
• Fresh ginger: grated adds a gentle spicy warmth enhancing the sauce complexity
• Red pepper flakes: optional to add a subtle heat, adjust according to taste
• Additional cornstarch: with cold water mixed into a slurry thickens the sauce perfectly
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: for garnish add crunch and fresh flavor

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Prepare the Chicken:

Coat the cubed chicken evenly with cornstarch salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the beaten egg and toss until every piece is coated. This step ensures a crispy exterior once cooked.

Heat the Oil:

Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over mediumhigh heat until it shimmers and sizzles when a piece of chicken is added.

Cook the Chicken:

Add chicken pieces carefully in a single layer to avoid crowding which can cause steaming instead of frying. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Drain Excess Oil:

Remove chicken to a paper towel lined plate to absorb any leftover oil. This keeps the chicken crisp without excess greasiness.

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Place honey soy sauce water rice vinegar minced garlic sesame oil grated ginger and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Thicken the Sauce:

Whisk cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Add cooked chicken into the sauce and toss to coat each piece well. Cook together another 1 to 2 minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve:

Transfer chicken to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice noodles or steamed vegetables for a rounded meal.

My favorite ingredient has to be fresh garlic. The aroma when it hits the hot oil is irresistible and it forms the backbone of this sauce’s memorable flavor. I recall a family dinner when the whole house was filled with that wonderful garlic and honey scent — it became a tradition that every time I make this dish, family members come running to the table in anticipation.

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving which can make the chicken soggy. This way you keep that delightful texture intact.

Ingredient substitutions

If you want a gluten-free version, use tamari in place of soy sauce and double-check your rice vinegar is gluten-free. You could swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier result, though cooking time may vary slightly. For a vegetarian twist, try firm tofu coated and cooked similarly.

Serving suggestions

Serve honey garlic chicken with steamed white or brown rice for a classic meal. Adding a side of stirfried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas balances the sweetness of the sauce. For a fresh contrast, a crisp salad or quick pickled cucumbers work beautifully.

This honey garlic chicken is quick to make and yields a restaurant quality glaze and crispness. It’s an easy weeknight winner that also reheats well for meal prep.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I get the chicken crispy?

Coating the chicken cubes with cornstarch before cooking helps achieve a crispy texture. Cook them in hot oil without overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for a juicier and richer flavor. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I substitute for soy sauce to make it gluten-free?

Use tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure your rice vinegar is gluten-free as well.

→ How do I thicken the honey garlic sauce?

A cornstarch slurry made from cornstarch and cold water is whisked into the simmering sauce to achieve a thick, glossy consistency.

→ What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables, white or brown rice, quinoa, noodles, or fresh salads complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

→ Can I add heat to the sauce?

Yes, include red pepper flakes or fresh chilies to introduce a spicy kick, adjusting the amount to your preference.