Honey Garlic Chicken
Busy nights call for meals that are easy to make but still taste like something special, and this Honey Garlic Chicken and Rice delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Sweet, savoury, and garlicky in every bite
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Better than takeout
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
- Great for meal prep
- The sticky sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy rice
- Beautifully finished with parsley and sesame seeds
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For Serving
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Sesame seeds
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Place it in a bowl.
- Season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and nearly cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Brown sugar
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- Pour the sauce into the hot skillet.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with the cold water.
- Slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.
Step 5: Finish the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Toss until every piece is coated in the sauce.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking and the sauce to caramelise slightly.
Step 6: Serve
- Divide the cooked white rice between serving bowls.
- Spoon the honey garlic chicken over the rice.
- Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
- Garnish with:
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if needed.
- Fresh garlic gives the sauce the best flavour.
- Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Spoon plenty of sauce over the rice so every bite is full of flavour.
- Add the parsley just before serving for the freshest finish.
Easy Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs.
- Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use jasmine rice or brown rice instead of white rice.
- Top with sliced spring onions for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Asian cucumber salad
- Egg rolls
- Roasted carrots
- Simple green salad
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Microwave individual portions until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and work wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
Can I use bottled garlic?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavour, but bottled minced garlic will work if needed.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Simply replace the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
What rice works best?
Jasmine rice, long-grain white rice, or basmati rice are all excellent choices because they absorb the delicious honey garlic sauce beautifully.
