Honey Chicken Recipe

This Honey Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. Tender bites of chicken are coated in a flavorful honey glaze, creating a dish that is both delicious and easy to make. The sauce is made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of ginger, giving it a well-balanced taste with just the right amount of caramelization.

This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or when you’re craving takeout-style food at home. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for an irresistible meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ cup cornstarch (for a crispy coating)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Honey Sauce:

⅓ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, adds depth)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For Garnish:

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white or black)
2 green onions, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Coat and Cook the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

2. Make the Honey Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the sauce, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes).

3. Combine and Glaze the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the honey sauce. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is glossy and fully coated.

4. Serve and Garnish

Serve immediately over steamed rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Getting Crispy Chicken

Cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating without making the chicken too heavy. You can also use all-purpose flour or panko breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture.
Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure even browning. Cook in batches if needed.

Adjusting the Sauce

For a thicker sauce, add an extra ½ teaspoon cornstarch to the slurry.
For a sweeter honey chicken, increase the honey to ½ cup.
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This honey chicken is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice, fried rice, or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Add a side of pickled cucumbers or a light Asian slaw for a fresh contrast.

This Honey Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that’s better than takeout. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a guaranteed hit. Enjoy!