Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
Sticky honey garlic chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with tender, juicy chicken coated in a glossy sauce. This dish comes together quickly and tastes just as good for a busy weeknight dinner as it does for a special meal.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional garnish: sesame seeds and sliced green onions
Instructions:
Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and vinegar. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Slowly stir it into the sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss until every piece is well coated in the sticky sauce. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.
Pair with roasted broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables.
Spoon extra sauce over the rice for maximum flavor.
Tips for Best Results:
Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work just as well.
Do not overcrowd the pan so the chicken browns properly.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste.
For heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce.
Sweet, sticky, and loaded with garlic flavor, this honey garlic chicken is a simple recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results right at home.