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Honey Garlic Chicken

This honey garlic chicken recipe combines sweet honey, savory soy, and aromatic garlic to create a sticky, restaurant-style dish in under 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 370
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Substitute: chicken thighs for richer flavor and more juiciness.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Substitute: kosher salt or reduced to taste for low-sodium diets.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper Substitute: white pepper for a milder, less visible fleck.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Substitute: avocado oil or light olive oil for slightly more flavor.
  • 1/2 cup honey Substitute: pure maple syrup for a different floral sweetness or to make it vegan-friendly.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Substitute: low-sodium or tamari for dietary needs.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Substitute: 1 tsp garlic paste if short on time.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Substitute: arrowroot for a clearer glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons water Mix with cornstarch to prevent lumps.
  • 2 tablespoons sliced green onions Substitute: chives for a milder onion note.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, lightly toasted Substitute: chopped peanuts or omit for nut-free households.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and soy sauce.
  3. In another small cup, mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water to make a smooth slurry.
  4. Mince the garlic and slice the green onions; toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken in a single layer without overcrowding; sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden and nearly cooked through.
  3. Work in batches if needed so pieces brown instead of steaming.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken to the side and add minced garlic to the cleared pan area; cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour the honey-soy mixture into the pan, stirring to deglaze and lift browned bits for flavor.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry slowly while the sauce simmers.
  7. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce becomes glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen.
  9. Return any reserved chicken pieces to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly in the glossy sauce for another minute to ensure even heat.
  10. Remove from heat, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top, and serve immediately.

Notes

For healthier alternatives, swap half the honey with reduced-sugar maple syrup or use skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat. Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables to lower carbs.