Rich Honey Garlic Chicken

Tender golden chicken coated in a thick, glossy honey-garlic sauce —sweet, savory, buttery, and deeply flavorful. This version is inspired by classic one-pan preparations that use honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a little vinegar to create a sticky sauce.

Ingredients

• 700 g (1½ lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 5–6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
• 1 tbsp butter (for finishing)
• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until lightly coated.
2. Sear: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side depending on size. Transfer to a plate.
3. Build the garlic flavor: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let the garlic burn.
4. Make it rich: Add the honey, chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Thicken: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce becomes glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.
6. Coat the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss thoroughly in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
7. Finish: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for extra richness and shine. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Best served with Steamed jasmine or basmati rice, Fried rice, Stir-fried broccoli, Green beans, or Roasted vegetables. Best tip: Chicken thighs are especially good here because they stay juicy and pair beautifully with the sweet, sticky sauce.