Honey Garlic Chicken with Soy Sauce Glaze
Cook honey garlic chicken with chicken pieces, soy sauce, honey, garlic, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, green onion, and broccoli or rice.
chicken, family-friendly, weeknight, high-protein
chicken: 600 g / 1 1/3 lb boneless chicken thigh or breast.
broccoli: 2 cups florets, optional side (optional).
rice: Cooked rice, for serving (optional).
Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and pat them dry. Toss with cornstarch and a pinch of salt until lightly coated. A thin coating is enough; heavy clumps can turn gummy in the sauce.
In a bowl, stir honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger if using, and 2 tablespoons water. Honey sticks to measuring spoons, so scrape the spoon well and stir until the sauce looks even.
If serving broccoli, steam or microwave it until bright green before you glaze the chicken. Having rice or vegetables ready matters because the final sauce cooks quickly and tastes best right away.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in one layer and cook until golden on the outside and cooked through inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Chicken should reach 165 F / 74 C if checked.
Lower the heat to medium and pour in the honey sauce. Stir as it bubbles and thickens. Because honey can burn, do not leave the pan unattended. Add a small splash of water if the sauce tightens too much.
Turn off the heat when the chicken is shiny and coated. Add green onion and sesame seeds if using. Serve with rice or broccoli, spooning extra sauce from the pan over each portion.
Any mild liquid honey works; crystallized honey can be warmed before mixing.
Chicken thigh stays juicy, but breast works if not overcooked.
Bagged broccoli florets make this an easier weeknight dinner.
Use brown sugar or maple syrup instead of honey.
Use tofu, shrimp, or turkey instead of chicken.
Use green beans, snap peas, or cabbage instead of broccoli.
Honey: Brown sugar, Maple syrup, White sugar. If using dry sugar, add an extra spoon of water so the sauce dissolves smoothly.
Chicken: Chicken thigh, Chicken breast, Shrimp. Chicken breast cooks faster and should be watched closely to avoid dryness.
Broccoli: Green beans, Snap peas, Cabbage. Steam or microwave broccoli separately if your skillet is crowded.
Can I make honey garlic chicken without honey?
Yes. Brown sugar, maple syrup, or white sugar can work with a little extra water.
No. This version is mild by default and works for mixed spice preferences.
Yes. Store the chicken and rice together, and keep fresh green onion or cucumber separate until serving.