This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is an easy, 30-minute dinner loaded with flavor and coated in a rich, sticky sauce.
author’s note
My Most Asked For Chicken Recipe, Now Even Faster!
These Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a family favorite and one of the most loved recipes on the site and across social media. I’ve made this dish more times than I can count, and it’s one of those meals that everyone gets excited about the second it hits the table.
The question I get asked the most is how to make this recipe without an Instant Pot or Crockpot, especially on busy nights when dinner needs to happen fast. A lot of you wanted the same honey garlic flavor but in a quick, no-planning-ahead, 30-minute meal you could make on the stove.
So I got to work testing and tweaking until it was just right. This stovetop version delivers everything people love about the original, but it comes together faster and with way less effort. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner I keep on repeat because it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with that sweet-savory flavor that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast or thighs | Thighs bring more flavor and stay extra tender. Breasts cook faster and work great sliced thin. |
| Flour | Shake off extra flour to avoid a sticky texture. |
| Butter | Use unsalted so you control the salt. |
| Soy sauce | Regular soy sauce works best here. Lite versions can make the sauce taste flat. |
| Honey | This gives the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe its sticky finish. |
| Ketchup | Adds tang and balance. It also helps the sauce thicken smoothly. |
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Tips
- Chicken: Slice evenly for quick, even cooking. Use thighs for more flavor.
- Sauce: If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it.
- Spice: If you like hot honey chicken, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce!
- Serving: Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe With
- Rice: White rice or jasmine rice soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Fried Rice: Adds extra flavor and pairs well with the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for some color!
- Salad: A light everyday salad or Asian-inspired cucumber salad for freshness.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the sauce.
Storage
- Best Fresh: This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is best enjoyed right off the stovetop for the freshest flavor and texture.
- Fridge: Store cooled chicken and sauce in a container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a pan on low heat. Add a little water if the sauce is too thick.
More Flavorful Chicken Dinners:
Honey Garlic Chicken
Video
Equipment
- Large nonstick pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast 2 small, even-sized breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup flour see note 1
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce regular, not lite
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- Sesame seeds optional, for serving
- Green onions optional, for serving
- Cooked white rice optional, for serving
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 even pieces. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the flour to a shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the flour, ensuring an even coating. Shake off the excess.
- Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Once butter is melted and pan is hot, add chicken in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, or until golden. Flip and cook for 1 minute on the other side. Reduce the heat to medium-high.
- Add soy sauce, honey, and ketchup to the skillet. Stir around the chicken until combined, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens slightly and chicken is cooked through.
- Turn the chicken to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve chicken over rice, if using, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
As Chelsea’s employee, I have made and LOVED this recipe! It is a hit with my husband and kids!