If you’re looking for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors all in one pan, you’ve got to try this Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that never fails to impress, bringing tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce that makes every bite a delight. This recipe is straightforward yet packed with layers of flavor that come together so beautifully, it’s become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, easy-to-find ingredients is what makes this Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe such a winner. Each component adds its own special touch, creating a harmonious balance between sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fragrant garlic that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are juicy and tender, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner cuts.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps create that luscious glaze on the chicken.
- Soy sauce: Brings depth and umami to the sauce, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the dish with a punch of aromatic flavor essential to the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, adding a subtle richness.
- Ground ginger: Provides a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken just right.
- Green onions: Add freshness and a burst of color as a garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle them on top for a touch of crunch and a lovely finishing touch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and ground ginger. This initial seasoning helps enhance the chicken’s natural flavor and sets the foundation for your delicious skillet dish.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This quick sauce packes a punch with its perfectly balanced sweet and savory notes—right in the heart of the Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. The olive oil gives the chicken a nice sear that locks in juicy flavors.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken to create that irresistible sticky glaze everyone loves.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds on top for a fresh and crunchy finish. Your Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions add a bright, slightly pungent flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce, while sesame seeds offer a delightful nutty crunch that elevates the presentation and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. For some added greens, try serving it alongside sautéed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or even use it as a filling for lettuce wraps. The sticky sauce makes it perfect for dipping or drizzling, so get creative with presentation to keep family and guests excited at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy it almost as fresh as the first time.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps maintain the perfect glaze and warms the chicken evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly in this Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or if you want something a little less salty, but soy sauce gives the traditional umami flavor that’s key to this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the original is centered on chicken, you could try substituting tofu or tempeh and follow the same frying and saucing steps for a delicious vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to get a sticky glaze on the chicken?
Simmering the chicken in the honey garlic sauce toward the end allows the sugars to caramelize slightly, creating that perfect sticky coating that clings to every bite.
Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?
Yes! Adding bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to the skillet after the chicken is mostly cooked is a great way to increase the meal’s nutrition and flavor without extra fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser and a go-to comfort meal that feels special without complicated steps. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this dish and why it’s perfect for sharing that warm, home-cooked love any night of the week.
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet is a quick and delicious main dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This one-pan recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and is garnished with green onions and optional sesame seeds for extra texture and freshness. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper evenly to taste.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly and glaze the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; breasts are leaner but can be used as well.
- Adjust honey amount according to desired sweetness.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the sauce.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet to achieve a good sear on the chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
