Glazed Honey-Garlic Chicken is a quick and tasty recipe that combines tender chicken strips with a sticky, savory-sweet glaze. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you’re craving something flavorful but easy to make. With a delicious combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, it’s an ideal balance of sweet and savory flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Why This Recipe Works
This Glazed Honey-Garlic Chicken recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful. The combination of soy sauce and honey creates a sweet-savory base, while the ginger and garlic add depth. The cornstarch slurry helps the glaze reach a perfect, sticky consistency that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken. This dish works because it uses basic ingredients and techniques to achieve a restaurant-quality flavor that’s both accessible and satisfying.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this dish:
Chicken Thighs or Breast (1 lb): Either will work, but thighs tend to stay juicier.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken before searing.
Oil (1 tbsp): Use vegetable or olive oil for searing.
For the Glaze:
Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Adds a rich, savory base to the glaze.
Honey or Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Gives the glaze its sweetness and helps it caramelize.
Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides aromatic depth.
Ginger (1 tsp, grated): Brings a mild spice and warmth.
Cornstarch Slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water): Helps thicken the glaze to a glossy finish.
How to Make Glazed Honey-Garlic Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coat.
- Sear the Chicken:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on both sides and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Make the Glaze:
In the same pan, add soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the glaze, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a thick, glaze-like consistency.
- Combine and Caramelize:
Return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the glaze. Continue cooking for a few more minutes until the chicken is well-coated and caramelized.
- Serve:
Transfer the chicken to a serving bowl and enjoy it hot!
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Even Cooking: Cut the chicken into uniform strips for consistent cooking.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey or brown sugar by a tablespoon.
Add Heat: For a bit of spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken adds a nice texture and enhances flavor.
Glaze Consistency: The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce quickly, so keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Glazed Honey-Garlic Chicken over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. It pairs well with stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
Timing Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
This Glazed Honey-Garlic Chicken is a simple yet satisfying meal that packs bold flavors in every bite. It’s a quick, delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation! Enjoy!