Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
A delightful dish that balances sweetness and savory flavors in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it features tender chicken thighs in a rich honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Thickening Slurry
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water For slurry
For Serving
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley For garnish
- as needed cooked rice For serving
Instructions
Prepare Chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
Craft the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and unsalted butter.
- Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Glaze and Finish
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously.
- Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece in the glaze. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve
- Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls.
- Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately over cooked rice.
Notes
Make sure to pat the chicken dry for better searing. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry for a thick, glossy sauce. Adjust chili flakes based on spice preference. For a healthier twist, use chicken breast and add vegetables during cooking for extra texture.