If there’s one dish that can turn a busy weeknight into something special, it’s honey garlic chicken. Imagine juicy chicken thighs caramelised in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s the perfect mix of sweet, savoury, and garlicky goodness. The best part? You can have it on the table in just 20 minutes—faster than waiting for takeout to arrive.
This recipe has become my go-to when I need a no-fus,s quick dinner that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a mountain of dishes. The sauce alone is reason enough to make it—sticky chicken magic that clings to every bite and makes plain rice taste like a treat.
Whether you’re a fan of bold Asian-inspired flavors, searching for your next garlic soy chicken obsession, or just trying to break free from your usual chicken routine, this dish delivers every time. Trust me—after one bite, your family will be asking, “When are we having this again?”
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
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Quick: Dinner ready in 20 minutes.
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Flavour-packed: Sticky, sweet, garlicky sauce.
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One-pan wonder: Easy cleanup.
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Versatile: Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even wings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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1 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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⅓ cup honey
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⅓ cup chicken stock
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp light soy sauce
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Steamed rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
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Place chicken thighs in a bowl. Coat with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
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Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes on one side, then flip for another 2 minutes.
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Add butter, then garlic. Lower heat so the garlic gets fragrant without burning.
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Whisk together honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
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Pour sauce into skillet. Let it bubble, then simmer 4–5 minutes until thickened and chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
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Sprinkle with parsley and chili flakes.
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Serve hot over rice, spooning extra sauce on top.
Cooking Tips for Success
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Pat your chicken dry before coating with cornstarch—this helps get that golden crust.
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Don’t rush the sear; the crispy edges make the sauce cling better.
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Love extra sticky chicken? Let the sauce simmer uncovered a bit longer to reduce further.
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If you prefer white meat, swap in chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time so they don’t dry out.
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Leftover sauce on your plate? Don’t waste it—drizzle over roasted veggies or use it as a dipping sauce.
My Story with This Recipe
The first time I made this, it was a complete “oh no, what’s for dinner” moment. I had chicken thighs thawing, a jar of honey in the pantry, and garlic (because, honestly, I always have garlic). In less than 30 minutes, my kitchen smelled like an Asian chicken recipe from my favorite restaurant, and my family was hovering around the stove like I was some kind of food magician.
Now, this dish has become a staple. It’s the one I make when I want to impress guests without stressing, or when I just need a win after a long day. Every bite reminds me that simple ingredients really can create the most comforting meals.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with:
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Steamed jasmine or basmati rice (a must to soak up that sauce).
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Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
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Garlic noodles for an indulgent twist.
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Or keep it light with a crisp cucumber salad.
How to Store and Reheat
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
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Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
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Tip: The sauce may thicken in the fridge—just add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating.
FAQs About This Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but cook them a little less to avoid dryness.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely—add more chili flakes or even a squirt of sriracha.
Is this a traditional Asian chicken recipe?
It’s more of a restaurant-style fusion dish, inspired by Asian flavors but simplified for home cooking.
What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch—it adds the same tangy balance.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, honey garlic chicken is the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel a little more special. It’s sticky, savoury, slightly sweet, and downright irresistible. Best of all, it’s quick enough to whip up after a long day yet impressive enough to serve when company drops by.
So the next time you’re craving takeout-style comfort without leaving home, try this recipe. With its glossy sauce and melt-in-your-mouth chicken, it’s bound to become a weeknight favourite.
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Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Quick and Flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken is a 20-minute weeknight dinner that beats takeout. Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared until golden and glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor. Perfect served over rice with veggies.
Ingredients
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8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
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2 Tbsp cornstarch
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 Tbsp vegetable oil
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1 Tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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⅓ cup honey
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⅓ cup chicken stock
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1 Tbsp rice vinegar
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1 Tbsp light soy sauce
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
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Coat chicken: Pat dry and toss thighs with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
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Sear: Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes on one side, then flip for 2 more minutes until golden.
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Add flavor: Reduce heat slightly. Add butter and garlic, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make sauce: Whisk honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Pour into skillet.
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Simmer: Cook 4–5 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (165°F) and sauce thickens.
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Finish: Sprinkle parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve over steamed rice, spooning sauce on top.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before coating—this helps it crisp.
Let the sauce reduce longer if you love extra stickiness.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs, but reduce cooking time.
Add veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or peppers directly into the skillet for a one-pan meal.
Sauce also makes a great drizzle over noodles or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired