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Honey Garlic Chicken brings everything I crave in a quick weeknight dinner to the table. In just twenty minutes you get juicy chicken in a glossy, garlicky honey sauce that clings to every bite. No deep frying or messy breading is involved and all you need are five main ingredients. It is the kind of meal my kids beg for and even impresses surprise guests with how much flavor comes together so fast.
I still remember the first time I made this for a group of tired friends after moving into a new place. It got devoured straight from the pan and everyone asked for the recipe before we even sat down
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Choose fresh firm chicken for juiciness and slice into even one inch pieces for fast even cooking
- Corn starch: The key for that signature light crisp outside and thickening the sauce Look for a fresh box and avoid clumps
- Filtered water: Ensures a clean fresh base for the sauce Tap water can sometimes dull the flavor
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings salty depth without overpowering Watch for a label that says low sodium or try a gluten free version if needed
- Honey: Adds all the sweetness and helps make that sticky finish Go for a runny golden honey for smooth blending
- Sriracha sauce: For an optional kick of spice Pick your favorite brand and start with less adding more if you like heat
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives real depth and a savory punch Stick with real garlic cloves for best flavor
- Cold water: Combining with cornstarch for a smooth slurry helps thicken the sauce with no lumps
- Sesame seeds and chives: Optional for garnish but add crunch and a hint of color Choose fresh green chives for pop
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan combine filtered water low sodium soy sauce honey sriracha and minced garlic Set on medium heat and bring just to a boil stirring occasionally so everything dissolves
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small dish combine corn starch and cold water Stir until smooth and no lumps remain Pour this mixture into the sauce whisking well Let it simmer a minute or two until it turns glossy and thick It should coat the back of a spoon Lower the heat and keep warm
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place chicken pieces in a large zip top bag or bowl Sprinkle corn starch all over Shake or toss until every piece is evenly coated This keeps the chicken juicy with a light crisp exterior
- Brown the Chicken:
- Set a large non stick skillet over medium heat Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom Arrange chicken in a single layer without crowding Cook several minutes on each side until golden outside and fully cooked in the center Do this in batches if needed for best browning
- Sauce and Finish:
- With heat off pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken Stir everything to coat every piece Let it sit a minute so the chicken soaks up the glaze Taste and adjust salt or pepper if you need
- Serve:
- Spoon hot chicken over fluffy white rice Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions or chives for crunch and color
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I never skip the garnish of fresh chives It makes all the difference visually and brings a fresh finish My kids love to sprinkle their own sesame seeds on top and make it their special dinner
Storage Tips
Leftover honey garlic chicken keeps well in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge It reheats beautifully in a pan over low heat or in the microwave Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it tightens up
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken breast with thighs for a juicier result Shrimp or diced firm tofu both work especially well in the sticky sauce For a soy free version try coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and a maple syrup swap works if you are low on honey
Serving Suggestions
This chicken really shines over steamed jasmine or basmati rice Add quick steamed broccoli snap peas or bell peppers for a full meal Leftover sauce is great over sautéed veggies or even spooned onto noodles
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Cultural Context
Honey garlic sauce has roots in both Chinese American and home cook kitchens It hits that beloved balance of sweet salty and savory that families always love The shortcut method here is inspired by busy weeknights but the flavors are classic comfort food
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes until the heat level suits your taste.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
- → Is it possible to use other proteins?
Try the same method with shrimp, tofu, or even fish for variation.
- → Does the cornstarch make the chicken crispy?
The cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the sauce adhere and adds a subtle crispness.
- → How should I serve this dish?
It's delicious over warm white rice and pairs well with steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
Juicy chicken in a sticky honey garlic sauce, ready in 20 minutes. Serve with rice for an effortless meal.
What You’ll Need to Make This
→ Main
→ Sauce
→ To Serve (Optional)
How to Prepare
In a medium saucepan, combine filtered water, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, and minced garlic. Set over medium heat, bringing mixture to a boil while stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons corn starch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Slowly pour slurry into the boiling sauce, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat to low and keep sauce warm.
Add chicken pieces to a large zip-top bag. Sprinkle with remaining corn starch, seal, and shake until chicken is evenly coated.
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Arrange chicken in a single layer and sauté for several minutes on each side until fully cooked. Work in batches as necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove pan from heat. Pour prepared sauce over the chicken and toss until pieces are thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Plate the honey garlic chicken over steamed white rice if desired, garnishing with sesame seeds and green onions or chives.
Extra Tips
- Adjust Sriracha amount to regulate spiciness; increase for a bolder flavor or add red pepper flakes during sauce preparation.
- This sauce pairs well with a variety of proteins such as chicken thighs, shrimp, fish, or tofu for vegetarian applications.
Tools Required
- Medium saucepan
- Large non-stick frying pan
- Zip-top bag
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Allergen Info
Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
- Contains soy (soy sauce)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
- Caloric Value: 349
- Fat Content: ~
- Carbohydrate Content: ~
- Protein Content: ~