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Tasty Honey Garlic Chicken

Category: Lunch

You start by pan-frying chicken thighs until they’re golden brown. Garlic is cooked just enough to bring out its taste, then mixed with soy sauce, honey, and a bit of vinegar for a nice zing. Adding a cornstarch mix thickens the sauce so it sticks to the chicken with a shiny finish. Toasted sesame seeds and green onions add a tasty bit of crunch and freshness. It’s a simple meal that’s full of sweet and salty flavors and ready fast.

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Dana
Recipe Created By Dana
Last updated on Thu, 08 Jan 2026 19:24:26 GMT
A delicious meal of chicken and vegetables. Save
A delicious meal of chicken and vegetables. | chefsnaps.com

This sticky honey garlic chicken with soy is a tasty mix of sweet and salty with a soft garlic kick. The shiny sauce keeps the chicken juicy and tender, making it a great match for rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

I whipped this up when I wanted something fast but a bit fancy for a casual dinner. It quickly turned into a favorite since it goes great with lots of sides and never fails.

What You Need

  • Garlic cloves minced: fresh garlic makes the sauce smell amazing
  • Chicken thighs or breasts: thighs give extra flavor and stay juicy but breasts work too
  • Honey: adds a nice natural sweetness balancing the sauce
  • Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar: brings a touch of tang to brighten things up
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: for a crunchy, fresh topping that’s nice to look at
  • Olive oil: helps get the chicken golden and seals in the juices
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: keeps the salt in check while adding deep umami flavor
  • Optional cornstarch: stir with water to thicken the sauce smoothly

Step-by-Step Cooking

Cook The Chicken:
Warm olive oil in a skillet on medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in and cook around 4 or 5 minutes per side until they’re browned and a little crispy. This seals in the juices and builds flavor. Take the chicken out and let it rest for a bit.
Make The Sauce:
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic. Cook just about 30 seconds until it smells great but don’t let it brown or taste bitter. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and your choice of vinegar. Let everything simmer gently so the flavors mix.
Thicken It Up (If You Like):
If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water until smooth and slowly stir it in while the sauce simmers. Keep cooking until the sauce looks glossy and coats a spoon well.
Put It All Together:
Put the chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the chicken cooks well and soaks up the tasty glaze.
Finish And Serve:
Once the chicken hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside, take it off heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and nutty hint. Serve it up hot over plain rice or some steamed veggies.
A plate of Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken.
A plate of Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken. | chefsnaps.com

I really dig how the garlic and honey come together into a sticky glaze that’s both sweet and savory. I usually go for this when I want something cozy but simple. Once I doubled it for a hungry crowd and it vanished way too fast.

Easy Storage Tips

Put leftovers in the fridge within two hours, cover tightly to keep them fresh and moist. Warm them up slowly in a pan to bring back the sticky sauce or use a microwave on a low setting to avoid overcooking. The chicken’s also tasty cold, great sliced in salads or wraps the next day.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh to keep it vegetarian without losing the sauce’s punch. Throw in a pinch of red chili flakes if you want a little heat that goes well with honey’s sweetness. Try tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free twist that still brings deep umami flavor.

Great Side Ideas

Pair with steamed jasmine or sticky rice to soak up the sauce nicely. Stir-fried or roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas add great texture and color to balance the tender chicken. A light cucumber salad or some pickled veggies make a fresh finish.

Seasonal Twists

In warmer months, add thinly sliced snap peas or snow peas near the end of cooking for a crisp bite. Fall calls for roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes on the side to add cozy sweetness. In winter, try steamed bok choy or sautéed kale for a hearty, nourishing meal.

A plate of chicken with a sauce on it.
A plate of chicken with a sauce on it. | chefsnaps.com

This honey garlic soy chicken feels like a little treat on your plate. It’s a simple dish that lifts any weeknight with big flavor and no hassle.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ Which chicken cut works best?

Boneless, skinless thighs give the most flavor and stay juicy, but breasts work if you want something leaner.

→ How do I get the sauce shiny and thick?

Mix cornstarch with water and cook it with the sauce until it gets thick and glossy so it clings to the chicken.

→ Can I swap out the vinegar?

Rice vinegar is mild and works great, but apple cider vinegar gives a nice tang too.

→ Why sear the chicken first?

Searing seals in the juices and gives the chicken a nice golden crust before it simmers in the sauce.

→ What’s the best garnish to use?

Add toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh but you can keep it in the fridge for a day. Warm it gently to keep the flavors.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and salty honey garlic sauce topped with fresh green onions.

Preparation Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Recipe Created By: Dana

Type of Recipe: Lunch

Cooking Skill Level: Simple for Beginners

Cuisine Style: Asian-inspired

Serving Amount: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: No Dairy Included

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken

01 30 ml olive oil
02 680 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

→ Sauce

03 3 cloves garlic, chopped
04 60 ml honey
05 60 ml low-salt soy sauce
06 30 ml rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

→ Optional Thickener & Garnish

07 30 ml chopped green onions
08 5 ml sesame seeds
09 15 ml water
10 5 ml cornstarch

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 01

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle on chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Dish it out while it's hot.

Step 02

Put the chicken back into the pan. Ladle the sauce over it. Let it bubble gently for 5 to 7 minutes till fully cooked and shiny.

Step 03

Mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Stir that into the sauce and cook until it’s a bit thicker.

Step 04

Add the soy sauce, honey, and vinegar to the pan. Let it simmer gently.

Step 05

Sauté the minced garlic in the same pan for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing.

Step 06

Warm the olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken about 4 to 5 minutes each side until it’s golden. Take it out and set aside.

Helpful Tips

  1. Go for boneless thighs if you want juicier chicken. Breasts work if you want it leaner.

Essential Kitchen Tools

  • Small bowl
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Silicone spatula
  • Large skillet

Allergy Information

Always check labels for allergens and reach out to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has soy and sesame allergens

Nutrition Information (Per Portion)

Nutrition facts are provided for reference and don’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fat Content: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Content: ~