Name: Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts (boneless & skinless); 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

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If you’ve been looking for a honey chicken recipe that hits all the right notes, this honey garlic chicken is the one. Tender chicken whether you choose thighs for extra juiciness or lean chicken breasts is coated in a golden, sticky sauce that’s both sweet and garlicky. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and works beautifully for healthy dinner recipes or cozy weekend meals.

This is one of those chicken dishes recipes that feels like a restaurant special but comes together with pantry staples in under 30 minutes.

Serving Versatility

You can make this with honey garlic chicken thighs for rich flavor or boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lighter option. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles for a wholesome spin, or pair it with roasted vegetables for a true idee pasto sano (“healthy meal idea”).

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken – Pat chicken dry. Season lightly with black pepper.
Make the Sauce – In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F for chicken breasts, 170°F for thighs).
Add the Glaze – Pour sauce into skillet. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken as the sauce thickens.
Serve – Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve hot.

⏱ Prep Time: 10 mins
🔥 Cook Time: 15 mins
⏳ Total Time: 25 mins
🍽 Servings: 4
⚡ Calories: ~300 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick enough for weeknights, delicious enough for company
✅ Works with chicken breasts or thighs
✅ A top pick in garlic chicken recipes worldwide
✅ Balanced sweet-savory flavor with pantry ingredients
✅ Perfect for meal prep

Serving Suggestions

Over steamed jasmine rice with stir-fried vegetables
With cauliflower rice for a health dinner recipe twist
As a protein topping for fresh salad bowls
In lettuce wraps with cucumber and carrot slaw

Pro Tips for Success

Pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear.
Simmer sauce gently to prevent burning the honey.
For extra thickness, add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water to the sauce.

💡 If you love quick, flavor-packed chicken recipes, you’ll also enjoy my 4-Ingredient Chicken Salad perfect for lunch prep, picnics, or light dinners.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store up to 4 days in airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.

🥰 Final Thoughts from Emma
This honey garlic chicken has become one of my go-to chicken dinner recipes because it’s fast, flavorful, and universally loved. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again.

📌 Love saving quick and tasty dinners? Follow Spedy Recipes on Pinterest for more chicken breast recipes, unique garlic chicken ideas, and cozy comfort food inspiration.