This homemade Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect to serve over rice or steamed vegetables. The sweet and savory blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic makes this 5-ingredient sauce irresistibly delicious on tender morsels of chicken.

Don’t miss the video tutorial below to see how simple it is to whip up this mouthwatering, sticky chicken at home!

Honey Garlic Chicken served over white rice garnished with chives and sesame seeds.

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We love simple chicken recipes from General Tso’s Chicken to Lemon Chicken. If you’re looking for easy and flavorful dinner ideas, be sure to add this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe to your Pinterest board. Its perfect blend of flavors makes it a quick, delicious meal everyone will love.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

My entire family loved this sweet and sticky Honey Garlic Chicken! It’s so much better than frozen versions from the grocery store because it’s made with real, juicy pieces of chicken breast without being overloaded with heavy breading. The fact that it’s naturally sweetened with honey makes me love it even more! My kids cleaned their plates and even went back for seconds!

This recipe is super easy to make! It comes together in just 20 minutes and is far better (and healthier) than any takeout in town. You have complete control over the ingredients in your meal, and this recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd or to create intentional leftovers for lunch the next day!

Honey Garlic Chicken Video Tutorial

Watch me make this Honey Garlic Chicken. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this step-by-step video will have you serving up this tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce in no time. You do not want to miss this one!

Is Honey Garlic Chicken Spicy?

When I first made this recipe, I thought I had added too much sriracha (1 Tbsp), but surprisingly once I tossed the sauce with the chicken, I could barely detect the spiciness at all, and neither could my kids (which was a relief because they aren’t fans of spicy foods).

I love that you can easily adjust the heat in this sauce to your liking. If you’re a fan of spice, feel free to add more sriracha or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give the sauce an extra kick!

Up close saucy honey garlic chicken in a skillet

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

The key to making great Honey Garlic Chicken is creating the perfect balance of flavors with quality honey and soy sauce. Allowing the sauce to thicken creates a deliciously sticky glaze that clings to the chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with so much flavor.

  • Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1″ pieces.
  • Soy Sauce – provides a salty contrast to the sweetness of the honey, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. It also helps tenderize the chicken and gives the sauce its dark color. I prefer a low-sodium soy sauce. Feel free to use a gluten-free version to make this recipe GF.
  • Honey – adds a natural sweetness that complements the savory soy sauce and garlic. The sticky honey gives this dish its distinctive sticky glaze.
  • Corn Starch – Used to thicken the sauce and lightly coat the chicken, creating a nice golden crust. Coating the chicken in starch also helps the sauce stick to the chicken.
  • Sriracha Sauce – adds a little spice to the dish. You can add it to taste.
  • Garnish – I suggest topping this dish with sesame seeds if you have them. You can also try almond slivers, parsley or cilantro.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic cloves, water, cornstarch

Variations

While this recipe is written for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the delicious Honey Garlic Chicken sauce works wonderfully with a variety of proteins, including:

  • Chicken tenders
  • Chicken thighs
  • Chicken wings
  • Stir Fry recipes
  • Tofu “steaks” for a vegetarian option
  • Shrimp or Fish

Make it spicy – Feel free to add more Sriracha for extra heat, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. For a fresh twist, try adding ½ tsp of fresh ginger (minced) along with the garlic.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

I like to start with the sauce so it can simmer and develop it’s sticky sweet flavors while you prep the chicken.

  • Prepare the Sauce – In a medium saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and minced garlic. Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  1. Thicken the Sauce – In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until dissolved. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low.
How to make Honey Garlic Chicken Sauce step by step: In a medium saucepan, add water, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and minced garlic. Combine with reduced cornstarch slurry to thicken.
  1. Coat the Chicken – Add the chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag and sprinkle the top with cornstarch. Seal the bag and toss the chicken inside until evenly coated with cornstarch.
  1. Cook the Chicken – Set a large non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat the bottom with oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and sauté for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. Avoid crowding the pan and cook in batches or use two skillets to speed up the process.
  1. Add the Sauce – Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, if needed.
  1. Garnish and Serve – Serve over white rice, if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
How to make Honey Garlic Chicken: cube chicken, toss in cornstarch, pour Honey Garlic Chicken sauce over chicken, and stir to coat.

What to Serve With Garlic Honey Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully over a variety of sides. Some of our favorites include:

Honey Garlic Chicken served over white rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onion.

Make-Ahead

  • To Refrigerate: Cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a freezer storage bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
  • To Reheat: (from frozen) Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Honey Garlic Chicken in a pan with a stamped Natasha's Kitchen spoon resting beside the pan of cubed, cooked chicken breast.

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious option that will elevate your weeknight dinner with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Using just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s ideal for busy evenings or meal prep, making it a family favorite in no time!

More Easy Chicken Recipes

If you love this Garlic Honey Chicken recipe, be sure to check out these other easy-to-make chicken dishes that will keep dinner exciting.

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Honey Garlic Chicken

4.97 from 28 votes
Honey Garlic Chicken cubed and served over white rice, topped with sesame seeds and green onion.
Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy, 20-minute, 5-ingredient stir fry. The sticky honey sauce coats every morsel of chicken without extra breading. Serve this over a bed of white rice and some veggies for an easy dinner everyone will love.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 5 servings
  • 2 to 2½ lbs chicken breast, (2 large or 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces)*
  • ½ cup corn starch
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • cup low sodium soy sauce, *or gluten-free soy sauce
  • cup honey, or more to taste
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp Sriracha sauce, or added to desired spice level*
  • 3 cloves garlic, (1 Tbsp minced)
  • 2 Tbsp corn starch
  • 2 Tbsp cold water
  • Sesame seeds and chives, optional garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine water, soy sauce, honey, sriracha, and minced garlic. Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  • In a small dish, stir together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until dissolved. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan and stir until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low.
  • Add the chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag and sprinkle the top with cornstarch. Seal the bag and toss the chicken inside until evenly coated with cornstarch.
  • Set a large non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat the bottom with oil. Add the chicken in a single layer and sauté for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. Avoid crowding the pan and cook in batches or use two skillets to speed up the process.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
  • Serve over white rice, if desired, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Notes

*For a Spicy Stir Fry – With 1 Tbsp of Sriracha sauce, the spiciness is almost undetectable and won’t be spicy. For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha and even a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce if desired.
*Protein Variations: It’s easy to use the sauce for a variety of stir fry recipes and on different proteins such as: chicken tenders, chicken thighs or wings, Shrimp or Fish, or Tofu “steaks” for a vegetarian option.

Nutrition Per Serving

1serving Serving349kcal Calories35g Carbs40g Protein5g Fat1g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat1g Monounsaturated Fat0.02g Trans Fat116mg Cholesterol897mg Sodium754mg Potassium0.4g Fiber19g Sugar59IU Vitamin A5mg Vitamin C21mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Honey Garlic Chicken
Serving Size
 
1 serving
Amount per Serving
Calories
349
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
 
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
116
mg
39
%
Sodium
 
897
mg
39
%
Potassium
 
754
mg
22
%
Carbohydrates
 
35
g
12
%
Fiber
 
0.4
g
2
%
Sugar
 
19
g
21
%
Protein
 
40
g
80
%
Vitamin A
 
59
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
5
mg
6
%
Calcium
 
21
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Honey Garlic Chicken
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 349
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.97 from 28 votes

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Leah Dawn Lewis
    February 7, 2025

    Instead of Sriracha Sauce can Sweet Chili Sauce be substituted?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 7, 2025

      Hi Leah! I think yeah could work too. It will be sweeter though.

      Reply

  • Sharon
    February 6, 2025

    Delicious…. I actually diluted the soy sauce with some water. Less sodium and still delicious.. I also sautéed a red bell pepper for some color…

    Reply

  • Sharon
    February 4, 2025

    Do you think this would freeze well? Do any other of your recipes freeze well?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 4, 2025

      Hi Sharon! See the make ahead notes above for freezing instructions. I include it there if I’ve tested it in a recipe.

      Reply

  • Gabriela
    February 1, 2025

    Not comment just a question. Can be substituted the honey? I am allergic to anything coming from bees

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 2, 2025

      Sure! You can try using Maple Syrup, agave syrup or brown sugar. Hope you love the results!

      Reply

  • Carolyn Spade
    January 14, 2025

    This recipe was simple with not too many ingredients. It was quick and easy to make and absolutely delicious! Will probably become a staple for family dinners.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 14, 2025

      Thank you for the feedback, Carolyn. I’m happy you enjoyed the recipe and process.

      Reply

  • D. You
    January 13, 2025

    Do i season the chicken in this recipe or does the seasoning come from the soy sauce?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 13, 2025

      The soy sauce brings a lot of flavor to the dish if you want a tastier chicken, lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking it.

      Reply

  • Mike
    January 10, 2025

    Great recipe! Love the taste and the simplicity.

    Reply

  • Maureen Fedor
    December 29, 2024

    We made this a few days ago and it was FANTASTIC! Leftovers were just as good! Now I want it again… This recipe was quick and easy and a big favorite of mine! I’m looking for dinner tonight on your site. Winner, winner chicken dinner! 🤣❤️ Thanks Natasha!

    Reply

  • Lisa Phillips
    December 25, 2024

    I’ve made this particular recipe several times. My family loves it. As a matter of fact Natasha’s kitchen is my go to for new recipe ideas and We have loved everything so far. Everyone needs her cookbook

    Reply

  • Jessica Cope
    December 17, 2024

    My favorite chicken recipe now! Absolutely fantastic and love that it’s not overly time confusing. Full of flavor!

    Reply

  • BN
    December 16, 2024

    We have been really enjoying this recipe since you posted it. We make it every two weeks or so, usually with rice noodles. Thanks for posting this “sticky chicken” recipe and giving us a new item in our menu planning.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 16, 2024

      I’m so glad you found a family favorite on my blog! Thank you for your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Joyce Brace
    December 10, 2024

    Hi Natasha, what oil do you use for this recipe? Your recipe does not say. Th

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 10, 2024

      Extra virgin olove oil. You can click Jump to recipe to go to the recipe card for the ingredients.

      Reply

  • Michelle H
    December 1, 2024

    So good. So easy!

    Reply

  • Cristina
    November 30, 2024

    Looks wonderful! I’m gonna try it. Also, I spotted Sharkey go up to the counter by the food and take the green onion and leave.

    Reply

  • Natasha
    November 18, 2024

    This is my son’s favourite! 🙂 Thank you, Natasha

    Reply

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