If you’re looking for a sweet and savory chicken dinner that comes together fast, look no further than the Asian Honey Garlic Chicken!
Tender bite-size pieces are seared until golden, then tossed in a sticky, glossy sauce that’s incredibly easy to prepare for busy weeknights.
Did you know that honey glazes have long been a staple in Asian kitchens, where they balance salty soy sauce with bright, sticky sweetness? With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that will impress your family and friends, and fans of crispy honey chicken bites will love it too.
Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this dish truly shine!
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Ingredients for Asian Honey Garlic Chicken
To create the perfect Asian Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Essential Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter divided, for searing and the sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil or olive oil for a neutral option
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
Optional Ingredients
These finishing touches add freshness and crunch to your bowl:
- Green onions 3 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds 1 tablespoon, for garnish
- Cooked rice 3 cups, for serving
How to Cook the Chicken
Here’s how to get the chicken perfectly seared and cooked through:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry, then toss them in a large bowl with 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on the edges.
- Cook Through: Cook in batches if needed for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside, then transfer to a plate.
Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
Once the chicken is out of the pan, it’s time to build the sauce:
- Soften the Onion: Reduce the heat to medium, then melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chili sauce, and 3 tablespoons soy sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Assembly: Bringing It All Together
Once your chicken and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your bowl!
- Return the Chicken: Add the chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet, then toss for 2-3 minutes until every piece is coated and heated through.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken over warm cooked rice while the sauce is still glossy.
Variations and Customizations
One of the great things about Asian Honey Garlic Chicken is its versatility!
- Vegetable Additions: Stir in broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers during the last 3-4 minutes of simmering for extra color and crunch.
- Alternative Proteins: Swap the chicken for peeled shrimp, cooking them 2 minutes per side, or for firm tofu cubes that have been pan-seared until crisp.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle extra chili sauce over the finished dish.
- Lighter Option: Reduce the honey by 2 tablespoons and simmer the sauce a few minutes longer to keep the glaze thick.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this chicken with honey mustard roasted potatoes for a hearty plate that echoes the sweet and savory flavors.
For drinks, try a crisp iced green tea or a cold sparkling water with lime to balance the richness of the honey glaze.
Conclusion
In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a sticky, flavorful Asian Honey Garlic Chicken that is sure to become a family favorite.
It’s a reliable choice for busy weeknight dinners, and the leftovers also work well for quick lunches.
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and add-ins, because there’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe!
Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay extra juicy, so simply cook them 1-2 minutes longer per side.
What should I serve with Asian Honey Garlic Chicken?
Steamed white or jasmine rice is the classic choice, since it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, then reheat in a skillet with a splash of water over medium heat.
Asian Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Asian Honey Garlic Chicken features bite-size chicken seared until golden and tossed in a sticky sauce of honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, and onion, served over fluffy rice. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option for the week ahead.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided, for searing and the sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil, or olive oil for a neutral option
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
- 3 green onions, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
- 3 cups cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry, then toss them in a large bowl with 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on the edges.
- Cook Through: Cook in batches if needed for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside, then transfer to a plate.
- Soften the Onion: Reduce the heat to medium, then melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chili sauce, and 3 tablespoons soy sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Return the Chicken: Add the chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet, then toss for 2-3 minutes until every piece is coated and heated through.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken over warm cooked rice while the sauce is still glossy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
