🎉 Introduction
20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate solution for busy days when you want a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender chicken, sweet honey, and rich garlic flavor in a glossy sauce that comes together quickly and coats every bite perfectly.
What makes this recipe a standout is its balance. The honey provides gentle sweetness, the garlic adds bold depth, and the savory elements keep everything grounded and comforting. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for a last-minute dinner.
This chicken recipe is:
- Quick and easy
- Made in one pan
- Family-friendly
- Perfect with rice, vegetables, or simple sides
If you’re building a rotation of reliable weeknight dinners, this Honey Garlic Chicken absolutely deserves a spot.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Optional:
- Rice cooker or saucepan for serving with rice
🛒 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the honey garlic sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For serving (optional):
- Cooked white rice
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
All ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and designed to create a sticky, glossy sauce in minutes.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
Step 4:
Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
Step 5:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
Step 6:
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
Step 7:
Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and glossy.
Step 8:
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 9:
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Step 10:
Serve immediately over warm rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or last-minute meals.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Freezing:
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
- Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much
🥄 Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or chili paste
- Garlic-forward: Increase garlic to 6 cloves
- Veggie boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers
- Low-sugar option: Slightly reduce the honey
- Rice alternative: Serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice
Each variation keeps the dish quick, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, both work well, but thighs stay juicier. - Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s balanced, not overly sweet. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be mixed one day in advance. - Why use cornstarch?
It helps thicken the sauce quickly. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding. - Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild and flavorful. - Can I add vegetables directly to the pan?
Yes, quick-cooking vegetables work best. - What oil works best?
Olive oil or any neutral cooking oil works well. - How do I keep the chicken tender?
Avoid overcooking and keep the heat controlled. - What pairs best with honey garlic chicken?
Rice, steamed vegetables, or simple salads.
🏁 Conclusion
This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken proves that fast meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor. With tender chicken, bold garlic, and a sticky honey sauce, it delivers comfort and satisfaction in record time.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just need something quick and reliable, this recipe is a weeknight hero you’ll come back to again and again.
20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Savory & Weeknight-Perfect)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
- Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and glossy.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately over warm rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Notes
Yes, both work well, but thighs stay juicier. Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s balanced, not overly sweet. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be mixed one day in advance. Why use cornstarch?
It helps thicken the sauce quickly. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild and flavorful. Can I add vegetables directly to the pan?
Yes, quick-cooking vegetables work best. What oil works best?
Olive oil or any neutral cooking oil works well. How do I keep the chicken tender?
Avoid overcooking and keep the heat controlled. What pairs best with honey garlic chicken?
Rice, steamed vegetables, or simple salads. 🏁 Conclusion This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken proves that fast meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor. With tender chicken, bold garlic, and a sticky honey sauce, it delivers comfort and satisfaction in record time. Whether you’re cooking for family or just need something quick and reliable, this recipe is a weeknight hero you’ll come back to again and again.
