Honey Garlic Chicken and Chips
There are nights when I can’t decide between making something comforting or something that feels a little special.
This recipe lands somewhere in the middle, which is probably why it’s become one of my favorites. It looks like something you’d order at a pub, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Sticky honey garlic sauce that’s full of flavor.
- Crispy homemade chunky chips.
- Juicy chicken every time.
- Uses simple ingredients.
- Great for the whole family.
- Ready in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for a thicker sauce)
For the Chunky Chips
- 4 large potatoes, cut into thick chips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Buttery Corn
- 2 cups sweetcorn
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper
To Finish
- Chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken and Chunky Chips
Step 1: Roast the chips
Heat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
Toss the potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them over a large baking tray in one layer, leaving a little space between them.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
Step 2: Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for around 6 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate while you make the sauce.
Step 4: Make the honey garlic sauce
Reduce the heat.
Add the butter to the same pan, followed by the garlic. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
Pour in the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together.
If you like a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another minute until glossy.
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece until coated.
Step 5: Cook the corn
While the chicken finishes, melt the butter in a small saucepan.
Add the sweetcorn, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until hot.
Step 6: Serve
Pile the chunky chips onto each plate.
Add the glazed chicken alongside the buttery corn.
Spoon plenty of the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and sprinkle everything with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
Don’t rush the chicken. Let it develop a deep golden crust before flipping it.
Fresh garlic makes a huge difference here. Jarred garlic works in a pinch, but fresh gives the sauce a much better flavor.
If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally before cooking. They’ll cook faster and stay juicier.
For extra crispy chips, don’t overcrowd the baking tray. If they’re packed too tightly, they’ll steam instead of roast.
Save any leftover sauce in the pan. It’s brilliant spooned over the chips.
Variations
Use chicken thighs
Boneless skinless thighs stay incredibly juicy and work just as well.
Make it spicy
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce.
Add vegetables
Broccoli, green beans, carrots, or asparagus all go well with this meal.
Air fryer version
Cook the chips and chicken in the air fryer, then make the sauce separately on the stove before coating the chicken.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken
Although this meal is filling on its own, you can also add:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Garlic green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- Simple garden salad
- Macaroni cheese
- Steamed peas
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The chicken reheats well in a frying pan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
The chips are best reheated in the oven or air fryer until crisp again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be made a day ahead, and the chicken can be reheated in it before serving.
Can I use frozen chips?
Absolutely. Frozen chunky chips work well if you’re short on time.
What cut of chicken works best?
Chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs both work well.
Can I freeze it?
The chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. The chips are best made fresh.
Can I make the sauce sweeter?
You can add another tablespoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those dinners that feels like proper comfort food without being complicated.
The chicken stays juicy, the honey garlic sauce is rich and sticky without being too sweet, and the chunky chips are perfect for mopping up every last bit of it.
Add some buttery corn on the side, and you’ve got a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and one you’ll probably end up making again before too long.
