Easy 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners
A quick and easy honey garlic chicken recipe that comes together in under 15 minutes, delivering a sweet and savory glaze perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup (85g) honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low sodium soy sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced fresh
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Pat dry 1.5 pounds (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with paper towels. Cut into even-sized pieces, about 2 inches each. Season lightly with black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 3-4 cloves minced garlic. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. For thicker sauce, stir in a slurry made from 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss gently to coat evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and sauce clings to the chicken.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to avoid steaming. Add garlic just before pouring in the sauce and stir frequently to prevent burning. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. For lower sugar, reduce honey or use a sugar-free honey alternative. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Protein: 30
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, honey garlic sauce, 15-minute recipe