Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

introduction

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that balances sweet honey and savory garlic with a satisfyingly crisp exterior on tender chicken pieces. It’s an easy weeknight option that pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

why make this recipe

• Fast: Ready in about 20–30 minutes from start to finish.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch.
• Crowd-pleaser: Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky — great for kids and adults alike.
• Flexible: Works with rice, noodles, or a bed of veggies, and adapts to dietary tweaks.

how to make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Start by whisking the sauce ingredients so the cornstarch is evenly dissolved — this keeps the sauce from clumping. Heat a skillet until hot, add oil, then sear bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding; this step builds the crisp exterior. When the chicken is golden and cooked through, pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer until it thickens and glazes the pieces. Finish with a quick toss so every piece is coated and glossy.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Vegetables of choice, for serving
• Sesame seeds and lime, for garnish (optional)

Directions :

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
5. Serve the crispy honey garlic chicken over rice and alongside your favorite vegetables.
6. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime before serving.

how to serve Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve over steamed white or brown rice, jasmine rice, or with noodles. Add a side of quick sauteed or steamed vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers) for color and crunch. Finish with sesame seeds and a lime wedge for brightness.

how to store Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For best texture, avoid microwaving from cold when possible; reheating in a skillet helps maintain some crispiness.

tips to make Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

• Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper before cooking to help browning.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed so pieces sear rather than steam.
• Make sure the skillet is hot before adding chicken; this helps form a crisp crust.
• Whisk the cornstarch into the sauce thoroughly to prevent lumps.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with a tablespoon of water at a time.
• For extra crispiness, lightly dust chicken with a teaspoon of cornstarch before searing.

variation (if any)

• Breaded version: Coat chicken in flour or panko for an extra crunchy exterior.
• Dark meat: Use boneless skinless thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
• Gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

FAQ

Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes — cut the chicken and mix the sauce up to a day ahead. Keep chilled and sear the chicken when ready.

Q: How do I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce honey slightly or increase soy sauce by a tablespoon to balance sweetness.

Q: Can I bake rather than pan-fry?
A: You can bake bite-sized pieces at 425°F (220°C) on a lined sheet for 12–15 minutes, then toss with warmed sauce; they’ll be less seared but still tasty.

Q: Is cornstarch necessary?
A: Cornstarch thickens the sauce and gives glaze-like coating. You can skip it but the sauce will be thinner.

Conclusion

For a step-by-step tested version with photos and additional tips, see Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken – Butter Be Ready.