Sticky, sweet, and utterly addictive, Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect go-to for weeknight dinners or party bites. With crispy golden chicken pieces coated in a glossy glaze of honey, soy, garlic, and a touch of spice, this dish hits every flavor note just right—savory, sweet, and just a little fiery. Whether you’re spooning it over rice, serving it with veggies, or munching straight from the pan, it never disappoints.

What makes this recipe extra special is the simplicity with maximum flavor payoff. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours of prep time. It’s all about that crave-worthy balance between garlic and honey, with a dash of umami from soy sauce. Expect clean plates and recipe requests.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they stay juicy and tender, even after frying. Chicken breast can work if that’s what you have, but watch the cook time to avoid drying out the meat.

Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken Thighs or Breasts – This is the heart of the dish, providing protein and a juicy base for the sticky sauce to cling to.

Cornstarch – Helps the chicken crisp up beautifully when fried, giving that satisfying golden crunch.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances every bite.

Garlic – The soul of the sauce, delivering bold, aromatic flavor.

Soy Sauce – Adds depth and a salty-savory element that balances the sweetness.

Honey – The sticky, sweet backbone of the glaze. It caramelizes slightly on the hot chicken, locking in flavor.

Rice Vinegar – Offers a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness.

Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but brings a gentle heat that pairs well with the honey.

Sesame Seeds & Fresh Parsley – For garnish and a final touch of texture and freshness.

How To Make the Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in cornstarch with a good pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

Heat a shallow layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches, turning as needed, until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it reduce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Toss and Glaze

Add the fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for another minute so the glaze sticks well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while hot and sticky.

How to Serve and Store Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve this dish piping hot over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with noodles or inside lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.

To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to bring back that slight crispiness, or in the microwave if you’re short on time. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it gluten-free. Make sure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free as well.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Coat the chicken as directed, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use chicken wings or drumsticks?

Definitely. The sauce works beautifully on bone-in pieces, just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is mild with red pepper flakes. Adjust to taste or leave it out entirely for a kid-friendly version.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli tossed in during the final minutes of cooking make a colorful and nutritious addition.

What oil should I use for frying?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil works best.

Want More Chicken Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out these next:

Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sauteed Garlic Butter Chicken for comfort in a bowl.
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl when you want something hearty and healthy.
Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a cozy, nostalgic bite.
Greek Chicken Souvlaki if you’re feeling Mediterranean vibes.
Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine when bold flavor calls.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all in on the spice? Try a different protein? Maybe even drizzle with chili oil?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner

Print Recipe

Description

Sticky, sweet, crispy, and full of flavor—this Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate dinner fix. Juicy chicken bites are fried until golden and tossed in a garlicky honey glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy. Perfect over rice or with stir-fried vegetables for a quick, delicious meal.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Fry: In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine: Add fried chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Simmer for another minute so the glaze sticks.
Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and parsley. Serve hot over rice or with your favorite sides.