Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring sticky, glossy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and slice into even pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss in cornstarch until lightly coated. Shake off excess.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil. Add minced garlic last.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour the sauce mixture into the same skillet. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece and cook for 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Do not skip the cornstarch as it creates a crispy coating. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Protein: 28
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meals, easy chicken recipe, 20 minute dinner, gluten-free option