Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken
Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken is a sweet, savory, and slightly sticky dish featuring juicy chicken coated in a rich honey garlic sauce. This dish is quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The caramelized glaze and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser, whether served with rice, veggies, or noodles.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup flour or cornstarch (for a crispy coating, optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and black pepper.
- (Optional) Dredge lightly in flour or cornstarch for a crispy coating.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating it with the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 2 minutes, turning to fully glaze each piece.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
✔ With Steamed Rice – The sauce pairs beautifully with jasmine or brown rice.
✔ With Roasted Veggies – Serve with broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
✔ With Noodles – Toss with lo mein or ramen for an Asian-inspired meal.
Tips for Success
✔ Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness – They stay tender and absorb the glaze well.
✔ Adjust sweetness – Add more or less honey to suit your taste.
✔ Make it extra crispy – Coat the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
✔ Don’t overcook garlic – It burns quickly and can turn bitter.
✔ Double the sauce – If you love extra sauce, double the glaze ingredients.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
Health Benefits
✅ High in Protein – Supports muscle growth and keeps you full.
✅ Rich in Antioxidants – Garlic and honey have immune-boosting properties.
✅ Heart-Healthy – Olive oil and ginger support cardiovascular health.
✅ Low in Processed Sugars – Naturally sweetened with honey instead of refined sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Absolutely! Adjust cooking time to 8-10 minutes per side.
Q: What if I don’t have soy sauce?
A: Substitute with coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.
Q: Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, then brush with the glaze.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken is an easy, restaurant-quality dish that’s quick to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!