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A plate of delicious honey garlic chicken thighs served over steamed white rice, garnished with fresh parsley and chili flakes, golden and sticky glaze.

Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken: Quick & Easy 30-Minute Dinner

This Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate "magic" recipe-tastes like takeout, takes less than 30 minutes, and is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights. Featuring a sticky-sweet garlic glaze and succulent chicken, it's a family favorite you'll make again and again.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken thighs boneless, skinless for best results
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Cornstarch or flour
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 1/2 cup Chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Chili flakes optional
For Serving
  • 2 cups Boiled white rice
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Cut into 1-inch pieces and season well with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. In a separate small dish, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water to create a slurry.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, pour in the sauce mixture and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in your cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky glaze
  5. Toss and Garnish: Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat every piece in that delicious sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Serve hot over white rice.

Notes

  • Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
 
  • Gluten-Free Tip: Swap the soy sauce for Tamari or coconut aminos.
 
  • Veggie Boost: Throw in some snap peas or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete one-pan dinner.
 
  • Storage: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock.