If you’re craving a dish that balances sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in the most delightful way, then you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Tender chicken bathed in a glossy, sticky sauce made of honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic makes every bite burst with irresistible flavor. Plus, it’s all cooked right in one skillet, which means less mess and more magic happening in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness and depth from the soy sauce, the natural sweetness from the honey, or the fresh punch of garlic and ginger that bring the dish to life.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1 lb): Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender, juicy results.
- Honey (¼ cup): Adds a luscious sweetness and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings a salty umami depth that perfectly balances the honey.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a punchy aroma and savory flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to sear the chicken beautifully while adding subtle richness.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a slight zing that complements the garlic and honey.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Green onions (2, chopped): These provide a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens every bite.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle for a toasty crunch and added visual appeal.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures the seasoning sticks and the chicken develops a nice crust when cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until they turn golden brown on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This locks in moisture and builds flavor in the dish.
Step 3: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a small bowl. This sauce will become the luscious glaze that defines the Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Pour the sauce over the seared chicken and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently, uncovered, for about 8 to 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze that’s simply addictive.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish Cooking
Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. This final touch adds freshness and a bit of crunch to the dish.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The green onions give a pop of color and a subtle sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet sauce, while sesame seeds add texture and a nutty finish. Don’t skip these—they really elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed noodles or cauliflower rice. You can also add roasted cashews or drizzle a little extra honey on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Presentation is a great way to keep this classic fresh and exciting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick and delicious meal later.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave using short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the sauce luscious rather than drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier while breasts offer a leaner option, so choose based on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check your soy sauce label to be sure, especially if cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes! Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last few minutes of simmering. This will add color, texture, and extra nutrition to your meal.
How sticky is the sauce?
The honey garlic sauce becomes beautifully sticky, coating each piece of chicken with a glossy finish that clings perfectly when served with rice or noodles.
Can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
While this Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe centers on chicken, you can substitute firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based version. Just sear it gently and simmer in the sauce to soak up those amazing flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes because it’s so wonderfully easy and irresistibly tasty. The balance between sweet honey and savory garlic sauce keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and I promise it will turn into a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. With a perfect balance of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. This mixture will create a delicious sweet and savory glaze for the chicken.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, pour the prepared honey garlic sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat evenly with the honey garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for juiciness, but chicken breasts can also be used.
- Adjust the honey to soy sauce ratio for sweeter or saltier taste according to preference.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- Garnishing with sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor but is optional.
