Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken: Quick, Flavorful, and Perfect for Busy Nights
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ¼ cup water (optional)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in ¼ cup of water and stir it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add the Chicken Back: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the honey garlic sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice or noodles, with a side of veggies.
