Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is your new go-to for a lightning-fast, incredibly flavorful weeknight meal. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sweet, and savory sauce that comes together in less than 15 minutes of active cooking. This skillet chicken dinner is a true lifesaver for busy parents and beginner cooks alike, promising a delicious outcome with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken

• Super Fast: Get dinner on the table in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few basic pantry staples to create this amazing dish.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The sweet and savory sauce delivers an irresistible taste that everyone loves.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this deliciously coated chicken.
• Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from rice to vegetables.
• Simple Preparation: Our straightforward steps make cooking this honey garlic chicken a breeze for any skill level.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this amazing Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken:

• 1 to 1 1/4 lb. Chicken Breast: About 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts or 2 large sliced in half.
• Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle generously on both sides of chicken.
• 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour*
• 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter
• 3 Garlic Cloves: Minced for optimal flavor.
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 1/3 cup Honey: Plus more for drizzling, if desired.

Notes & Substitutions

Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook much faster and more evenly, ensuring tender results every time. If you are gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. For regular salted butter, you can adjust the added salt to taste. Always opt for fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced for the best aroma and flavor. Rice vinegar can be a good alternative if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand. If you need a soy-free option, coconut aminos work wonderfully in place of soy sauce.

Equipment

Gathering your tools before you start makes cooking so much smoother. For this quick meal, you will need:

• Large Skillet: A cast iron skillet is highly recommended for its even heat distribution and beautiful sear. To maintain its performance and longevity, proper seasoning and care for cast iron pans are essential.
• Tongs or Spatula: Essential for flipping the chicken and stirring the sauce.
• Small Bowl: For dredging the chicken in flour.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately portion your ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For safely slicing your chicken.
• Sharp Knife: For precise chicken preparation.

Instructions

Let’s make this incredible Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken dinner! Follow these easy steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Take your thinly sliced chicken breasts and generously sprinkle them with salt and pepper on both sides. This initial seasoning is key for flavor.
2. Heat Skillet and Butter: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of salted butter to the hot skillet and allow it to fully melt and become slightly foamy.
3. Dredge Chicken: Lightly dredge both sides of each chicken breast into the all-purpose flour. This creates a thin coating that helps with browning and sauce adhesion.
4. Sear Chicken: Carefully place the floured chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook them for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are nicely seared. Repeat this process with all your chicken pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
5. Add Garlic and Butter: Once the chicken is cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring gently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Build the Sauce: Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir everything together well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This creates the delicious sweet and savory sauce.
7. Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently with the chicken for 3-4 minutes, or even longer if you prefer a thicker sauce. The sauce will naturally thicken as it reduces, coating the chicken beautifully.
8. Ensure Doneness: For food safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that all poultry reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Confirm that the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Coat Thoroughly: Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the luscious honey garlic sauce over each piece of chicken, ensuring every bite is fully coated in the irresistible glaze.
10. Serve Immediately: Dish out your perfectly cooked sticky honey garlic chicken right away with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Chicken Thickness: Always slice chicken thinly and uniformly for quick, even cooking. This prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still undercooked.
• Perfect Sear: Do not overcrowd your pan. Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a proper golden-brown sear, which adds texture and flavor.
• Garlic Care: Minced garlic burns quickly. Add it towards the end of the cooking process for the chicken and sauté only until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth until desired consistency is reached.
• Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Flavor Boost: Garnish your finished Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added texture and fresh flavor.
• Prevent Sticking: Use a good quality non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan to prevent the chicken and sauce from sticking.
• Too Salty/Sweet: If the sauce tastes too salty, add a tiny splash of water. If it’s too sweet, a little more apple cider vinegar can balance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This versatile Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with so many dishes, making meal planning a breeze.

• Classic Sides: Serve your chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or wholesome brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• Potato Pairings: Creamy mashed potatoes are an excellent comfort food choice, or try crispy smashed potatoes for a delightful texture contrast.
• Vegetable Options: Complement the richness with steamed broccoli, vibrant roasted asparagus, or quick sautéed zucchini.
• Asian Twist: For an authentic feel, serve with stir-fried vegetables or a side of noodles like lo mein or ramen.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
• Other Proteins: This honey garlic sauce is incredibly adaptable! Feel free to swap chicken for thinly sliced pork tenderloin or quick-cooking shrimp for a different meal.
• Storage: Store any leftover sticky honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information is automatically calculated and provides approximate values. These figures can vary based on specific brands of ingredients used and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are delicious in this recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly longer to ensure they are fully cooked.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker for this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken?
A: To achieve a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes, allowing it to reduce further. You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce.

Q: Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, easily! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch for dredging the chicken.

Q: What kind of honey works best for this recipe?
A: Any liquid honey you have on hand will work perfectly for this sweet and savory sauce. Use your favorite local or supermarket brand.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: You can certainly slice the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to cook the entire dish fresh.

Q: Why is my chicken not crispy?
A: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking in batches allows for a better sear and crispier result.

Conclusion

This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken recipe truly embodies simplicity and deliciousness, proving that amazing meals do not require hours in the kitchen. With its quick cooking time and irresistible sweet and savory sauce, it is guaranteed to become a family favorite for busy weeknights. Give it a try soon; you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a flavorful dinner. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations, so please come back and leave a comment or rate the recipe!

Easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This easy recipe features tender chicken breast coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 to 1 1/4 lb Chicken Breast about 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts or 2 large sliced in half
• Salt and Pepper sprinkle on both sides of chicken
• 1/4 cup Flour

Sauce

• 4 Tablespoons Salted Butter
• 3 Garlic Cloves minced
• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1/3 cup Honey plus more for drizzling, if desired

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

Cooking Steps

1. Generously sprinkle both sides of the thinly sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Dredge all chicken breasts in flour, coating both sides. Place the floured chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned.
3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, allowing the sauce to simmer with the chicken for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
4. Remove the chicken from heat, thoroughly coat it with the sticky honey garlic sauce, and serve immediately with your choice of rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

Notes

Ensure chicken is fully cooked through before serving. For extra sweetness, drizzle with additional honey.