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!
My Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs have been a family favorite for years and one of the most loved recipes on my site and across social media. I’ve made them more times than I can count, and it’s one of those dinners that disappears fast every single time.
But the question I get constantly is this: “Can I make it without an Instant Pot or Crockpot?”
So I got to work on a faster stovetop version with the same sticky, sweet-savory flavor but no planning ahead required. I wanted it to be quick enough for a busy weeknight, simple enough to make without a huge ingredient list, and saucy enough to spoon over a big pile of rice.
This version checks every box. The chicken gets seasoned, lightly coated in flour, browned in butter, and then simmered right in the honey garlic sauce until glossy and delicious. It tastes like takeout, but it comes together in about 30 minutes at home.
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. |
How To Make This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Slice chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally so you have thin, even pieces.
- Season well: Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat in flour: Dredge each piece in flour and shake off the excess.
- Brown the chicken: Cook in melted butter until golden on both sides.
- Add the sauce: Stir in soy sauce, honey, and ketchup right in the skillet.
- Simmer: Let the sauce bubble until it thickens slightly, then turn the chicken to coat.
- Serve: Spoon chicken and sauce over rice, then top with sesame seeds and onions.
chelsea’s recipe tip
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!