Soy Honey Garlic Chicken is one of my all-time favorite dishes. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make in just one pan! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is bound to be a hit.
Method
Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry using paper towels this helps the chicken brown better in the pan. Once dry, season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step gives your chicken a flavorful base and helps build that delicious layer of taste from the very beginning.
Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your oil. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken pieces into the pan. Let them sear undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. This process locks in the juices and builds a tasty crust. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a clean plate.
Make the Sauce
In the same pan (don’t clean it those leftover browned bits add flavor!), toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the aroma hits you. Then, pour in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Stir everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. The mixture will start to look glossy and smell amazing.
Thicken the Sauce
While the sauce simmers, mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Slowly pour this into the sauce while stirring continuously. Within a minute or two, the sauce will thicken into a luscious glaze. If it thickens too much, just add a tablespoon of water at a time until you get the consistency you like.
Coat the Chicken
Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the thickened sauce. Spoon the sauce over each piece to coat it well. Let everything cook together for about 5 more minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all that sweet-savory flavor while finishing off the cooking process.
Serve
Once done, serve the chicken hot with extra sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and a pop of color. Pair it with your favorite sides and dig in!
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet or pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or spoon
- Tongs (for flipping chicken)
Soy Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Absolutely Delicious!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Chicken:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tbsp garlic powder
For the Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
3 tbsp honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
Toppings (Optional but Recommended!):
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
Directions
- Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This helps build a flavorful base before adding the sauce. - Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. - Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. - Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce, mixing continuously until it thickens (about 1-2 minutes). If it gets too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. - Coat the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pan and coat it generously with the sauce. Let it cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the rich, sticky sauce. - Serve
Plate the chicken with your favorite side (like rice or steamed veggies), garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give each piece of chicken some space so it sears properly instead of steaming.
- Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger – While powdered versions work in a pinch, fresh garlic and ginger really bring out the best flavors.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness – If it gets too thick, add a splash of water. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Serving Suggestions
Soy Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – The sauce soaks into the rice, making every bite delicious!
- Stir-Fried Vegetables – A mix of bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots add color and crunch.
- Noodles – Toss this chicken with some lo mein or ramen for an extra treat.
Fun Fact
Did you know honey is a natural preservative? Ancient Egyptians used honey to preserve food for long journeys! Plus, it adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory soy sauce in this recipe.
Conclusion
Soy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special dinners. It’s easy, sticky, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite in my kitchen. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
