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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Honey Garlic Chicken

A quick and delicious weeknight meal featuring tender, pan-seared chicken cubes tossed in a sweet and savory sticky honey garlic sauce. Simple to make and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 505

Ingredients
  

  • 600 g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2.5cm (1-inch) cubes
  • 50 g plain flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or rapeseed oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
  • 120 ml clear honey
  • 80 ml low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 4-5 large garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp cornflour corn starch
For Garnish (optional)
  • 1 spring onion finely sliced
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a good sear in the pan. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the plain flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss them until they are all lightly and evenly coated.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check it has reached a safe internal temperature of 74°C, as recommended by the Food Standards Agency. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Make the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for about 30-60 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be very careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic will turn the sauce bitter.
  4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a separate small bowl or jug, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture into the pan with the garlic.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes. You'll notice it start to thicken and become glossy.
  6. Create a Slurry: To get that perfect consistency, I find a cornflour slurry works best. In a tiny bowl, mix the 1 tsp of cornflour with 1 tbsp of cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously. The sauce will thicken up noticeably within another minute.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir everything together gently, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in the glorious, sticky sauce. Let it simmer for a final minute for the flavours to meld. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Perfect served over steamed rice or quinoa with a side of steamed broccoli. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.