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Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Perfect Sticky Glaze

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A quick and easy honey garlic chicken recipe with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey, raw or regular
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce, low sodium preferred
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Cut 1 pound (450g) of boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (85g) honey, 3 tablespoons (45ml) soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar, and 3 cloves minced garlic (about 3 minutes).
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and cook another 4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/75°C).
  4. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and stir lightly to coat. Lower heat to medium-low.
  5. Mix 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Pour into skillet while stirring continuously. Sauce will thicken and become glossy within 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
  7. Serve immediately over steamed rice or your favorite grain.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning. Control heat carefully to avoid burning honey. Use cornstarch slurry to thicken glaze. If glaze is too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, simmer a bit longer. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, sticky glaze chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight chicken, honey garlic sauce