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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

A glossy, caramelized chicken coated in a sweet-savory garlic sauce transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dinner. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want bold flavor without complicated steps.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Serving
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 500g boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon grated ginger (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Method
 

  1. Coat bite-sized chicken pieces with seasoning and cornstarch until evenly covered, ensuring each piece is lightly dusted for proper crisping during cooking.
  2. Sear the chicken in hot oil until golden brown on both sides, allowing it to develop a flavorful crust before removing it from the pan.
  3. Sauté garlic and ginger briefly in the same pan to release their aroma and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  4. Combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and liquid, then simmer until the mixture is well blended and slightly reduced.
  5. Add cornstarch slurry gradually and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and toss thoroughly in the sauce, cooking briefly so it absorbs flavor and becomes evenly coated.

Notes

  • Drying the chicken before coating ensures better browning and prevents excess moisture from interfering with texture.
  • Cooking in batches helps maintain high heat in the pan, which is essential for achieving a golden crust instead of steaming.
  • Adjusting the sauce balance before thickening allows you to control sweetness and tang more effectively.
  • Adding slurry slowly gives you control over thickness, preventing the sauce from becoming too heavy or pasty.