I recently crafted this Simple Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe that perfectly balances savory and sweet. Chicken breasts tossed in garlic, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar form a vibrant sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or veggies, creating an irresistibly flavorful meal for any busy evening with ease.
I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen and recently stumbled upon a dish that’s quickly become one of my go-to dinners – Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time but still want something tasty.
I start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs tossed with salt and pepper, then seared in olive oil until they’re just right. I love using 4 minced garlic cloves to create a rich base, then mix in 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
There’s a hint of heat too, from a touch of red pepper flakes, and I sometimes finish the sauce with a cornstarch and water mix to thicken it nicely. I like to serve this alongside rice or veggies as a fast dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Its balance of sweet and savory flavors has me coming back for more every time.
Why I Like this Recipe
1. I really love how easy this recipe is to make even when I’m in a hurry. It’s super simple to follow and doesn’t take forever to cook.
2. I enjoy the flavor combo – the sweet honey and garlic with a splash of soy sauce makes it such a tasty dish that never fails to impress me.
3. I like that the chicken always comes out really juicy and tender, and the sauce gets just thick enough when I add the cornstarch mix, giving it that perfect, lick-your-plate taste.
4. I appreciate the little kick from the red pepper flakes – it adds a fun twist to the flavor without making it too spicy.
Ingredients
- Chicken provides lean protein that helps build muscle and supports overall health.
- Garlic adds robust flavor, contains antioxidants, and can help boost your immune system.
- Honey offers natural sweetness and delicate texture while adding a hint of health benefits.
- Soy sauce gives a salty, umami kick that deepens the dish flavors instantly.
- Olive oil is heart-friendly fat that helps in cooking and enhances taste.
- Red pepper flakes add warmth to the sauce and kick up the flavor slightly.
- Apple cider vinegar brings tanginess and balances the sweet and savory components.
- Cornstarch mix thickens the sauce to create a smooth, glossy finish.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) or 4 chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar if you prefer)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional if you like a bit of heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional for thickening the sauce)
How to Make this
1. Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook it for about 5-6 minutes each side until its nicely browned.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for a bit.
5. In the same skillet add the minced garlic and stir it around for roughly 30 seconds until it smells good.
6. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar while also sprinkling in the red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
7. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet.
8. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes making sure it cooks through completely.
9. If you want the sauce thicker, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another minute or so until it thickens up.
10. Serve this delicious honey garlic chicken over rice or with your favorite veggies and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet – a solid heavy skillet is needed to brown the chicken and make the sauce in one pan
2. Spatula or tongs – for turning the chicken and stirring the garlic and sauce
3. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure out the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch
4. Mixing bowl – to mix the cornstarch with water
5. Knife and cutting board – if your garlic isn’t already minced, these are essential
6. Stove – you need one with a medium high heat setting to cook the chicken and sauce
FAQ
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of chicken breasts or thighs, you could use chicken tenders or even turkey cutlets if you’re up for a switch.
- If you dont have honey on hand, try maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness.
- For soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos work great especially if youre trying to keep things gluten free.
- If apple cider vinegar isn’t at hand, white wine vinegar or a bit of lemon juice can do the trick.
- For thickening without cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or a pinch of all-purpose flour mixed with a little water.
Pro Tips
1. Try letting the chicken sit with a little salt and pepper for 15 minutes before you cook it so the flavors really sink in.
2. Be careful with the garlic in the pan; if it cooks too fast it can turn bitter so lower the heat a bit once you add it.
3. If you want the sauce extra thick and smooth, slowly stir in the cornstarch mixture while the sauce is simmering and keep stirring to avoid any lumps.
4. Pro tip: If you have a minute to spare after cooking, cover the pan for a couple of minutes to let the juices fully redistribute and make the chicken extra tender.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
I recently crafted this Simple Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe that perfectly balances savory and sweet. Chicken breasts tossed in garlic, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar form a vibrant sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or veggies, creating an irresistibly flavorful meal for any busy evening with ease.
4
servings
350
kcal
Equipment: 1. Large skillet – a solid heavy skillet is needed to brown the chicken and make the sauce in one pan
2. Spatula or tongs – for turning the chicken and stirring the garlic and sauce
3. Measuring cups and spoons – to accurately measure out the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch
4. Mixing bowl – to mix the cornstarch with water
5. Knife and cutting board – if your garlic isn’t already minced, these are essential
6. Stove – you need one with a medium high heat setting to cook the chicken and sauce
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) or 4 chicken thighs
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
4 garlic cloves, minced
-
1/2 cup honey
-
1/4 cup soy sauce
-
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar if you prefer)
-
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional if you like a bit of heat)
-
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional for thickening the sauce)
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook it for about 5-6 minutes each side until its nicely browned.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for a bit.
- In the same skillet add the minced garlic and stir it around for roughly 30 seconds until it smells good.
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar while also sprinkling in the red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, then return the chicken to the skillet.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes making sure it cooks through completely.
- If you want the sauce thicker, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another minute or so until it thickens up.
- Serve this delicious honey garlic chicken over rice or with your favorite veggies and enjoy!
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 150g
- Total number of serves: 4
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 2g
- Monounsaturated: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 40g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 50IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
