Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Glazed
- Sarah Smith
- Nov 9, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

This Honey Garlic Chicken is a golden, sticky, and flavor-packed favorite that’s as easy as it is delicious. Juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and savory glaze made with honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic — a true comfort dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roasted vegetables. Enjoy this sweet and savory chicken with creamy white chicken chili or a bowl of butternut squash mac and cheese. Garlic herb pull-apart bread makes the perfect side.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish: sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine and thicken: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. If you prefer a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until glossy.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm over steamed rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.
Tips & Variations
Add a touch of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy version.
For crispy texture, lightly dredge the chicken in cornstarch before frying.
Make it a sheet-pan meal by baking everything together with broccoli or bell peppers.
Store leftovers up to 3 days — the flavor deepens overnight!
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken is one of those recipes that never fails to impress while still being wonderfully easy to make. The balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and glossy glaze creates a comforting dinner that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to make its way into your regular dinner rotation.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful, and work beautifully in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, then thicken the sauce at the end if needed.
Q: Can I make this recipe spicy? Yes — add crushed red pepper flakes, chili paste, or a splash of sriracha for mild to medium heat.
Q: What should I serve with honey garlic chicken? It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Q: How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently so the chicken stays tender.




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