Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless); 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 110 g (1/3 cup) honey; 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (to serve); ½ tsp chili flakes (to serve); Boiled rice (to serve)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a sticky glaze that perfectly complements the crispy, tender chicken thighs. With minimal prep time and a short cooking time, this recipe is ideal for anyone who loves Asian-inspired dishes. Plus, it’s easy to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and is a hit with the whole family!

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves minced garlic
110 g (1/3 cup) honey
80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp light soy sauce

To Serve:

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp chili flakes
Boiled rice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the cornflour until fully coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan (skillet) over high heat.
Add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook on one side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add the butter to the pan, let it melt, then add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic together with the butter. Turn the heat down to medium so the garlic doesn’t burn.
In a bowl, combine the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir together to create the sauce.
Add the sauce to the pan with the chicken. Turn the heat up and bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley and chili flakes over the chicken. Serve the chicken with boiled rice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables: Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete one-pan meal.
Low-Sodium Version: Use a low-sodium soy sauce and chicken stock to make this recipe a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Crispy Chicken: For an extra crispy exterior, bread the chicken thighs before cooking and pan-fry them until golden before adding the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Cover and heat until the chicken is warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as tender as thighs. Be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking the chicken.

2. Can I make this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken legs?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken legs can be substituted for the thighs. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.

3. Can I use dark soy sauce instead of light soy sauce?

You can, but dark soy sauce has a much stronger, more intense flavor, so it will change the taste of the dish. If you use dark soy sauce, consider using less.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in the sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

5. Can I use honey substitute for this recipe?

You can use maple syrup or agave syrup as a substitute for honey, but the flavor will be different.

6. Can I cook this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can cook it ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

7. Can I use a non-stick pan?

Yes, you can use a non-stick pan to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan. Just be sure to get the chicken thighs nice and crispy.

8. What can I serve this with besides rice?

This Honey Garlic Chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. You could also serve it with a simple salad for a lighter meal.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce and cornstarch. You can substitute with gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch to make it gluten-free.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet to accommodate all the chicken, or cook in batches.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With minimal ingredients and just 20 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, the variations and easy storage options make it a versatile recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish any night of the week!