20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal? This 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent with limited time, or simply craving a delicious meal without the hassle, this recipe will be your new go-to. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s rich in flavor but incredibly easy to make. The sauce comes together in minutes, and the chicken cooks quickly, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste for speed.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.

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2. Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and allow it to coat the bottom of the pan. You can also add the butter for extra richness if you like, but this is optional.

3. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked properly. If using chicken thighs, they may take a bit longer to cook.

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4. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a plate while you prepare the sauce. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30-45 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir everything together to combine. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to come together and thicken slightly.

3. Add the Ginger (Optional): If you’re using grated ginger, add it to the sauce at this stage. Stir well to incorporate.

4. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Add this mixture to the pan and stir. The sauce should thicken within 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step or add a little extra water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the honey garlic sauce. The chicken will also warm up during this step if it has cooled.

2. Serve the Dish: Once the chicken is fully coated with the sauce and heated through, remove it from the pan. Place the chicken on a serving plate, drizzle the remaining sauce over the top, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions or parsley.

3. Optional Garnishes: For an extra pop of flavor, serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for a bit of fresh acidity. This can balance the richness of the sauce and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the honey.

Serving Suggestions

This Honey Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options to round out your meal:

1. Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For extra flavor, you can also serve it over coconut rice for a tropical twist.

2. Vegetables: Pair with sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. You can also roast some veggies with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple, healthy side dish.

3. Noodles: Try this dish with noodles such as udon, soba, or even spaghetti for a hearty, satisfying meal. The honey garlic sauce will cling to the noodles beautifully.

4. Salads: For a lighter option, serve the chicken alongside a fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce.

5. Potatoes: Honey garlic chicken goes well with mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes. The creamy potatoes absorb the sauce, creating an indulgent combination.

Tips and Variations

1. Chicken Options

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great option. They’re juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Boneless skinless thighs will work best in this recipe.
• Bone-In Chicken: You can also use bone-in chicken pieces, though this will require longer cooking time. Just be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

2. Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: For an extra spicy version, add more red pepper flakes or even some chili paste to the sauce. You can also use Sriracha or hot sauce for a different heat profile.
• Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice or lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist that complements the honey and garlic.
• Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to the sauce for an added layer of flavor. You can even top the finished dish with chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, herby touch.

3. Low-Carb Version

• Substitute Honey: For a lower-carb version, substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit. This will keep the sweetness without the added sugar.
• Serve with Cauliflower Rice: Instead of regular rice, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative. You can easily make cauliflower rice at home by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice.

4. Make It Ahead

• Prep the Sauce in Advance: You can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the chicken, reheat the sauce, and combine.
• Cook Chicken in Advance: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat the chicken and sauce together in the pan.

Conclusion

This 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the perfect quick meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic creates a delicious sauce that coats the tender chicken beautifully. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy nights when you want something satisfying but easy to prepare.

Yield: 4

20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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Looking for a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal? This 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect solution. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent with limited time, or simply craving a delicious meal without the hassle, this recipe will be your new go-to. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s rich in flavor but incredibly easy to make. The sauce comes together in minutes, and the chicken cooks quickly, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste for speed.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
   
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
   Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add the grated ginger if you’re using it. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
   (Optional) If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl and add it to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens to your liking.
   
3. Combine and Serve:
   Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the flavor.
   Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped parsley or green onions, if desired.
   
4. Serve:
   Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice, quinoa, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. They’re even more juicy and flavorful!

Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a little sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.