Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken (Pan-Seared and Glazed)

A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Favorite

Honey garlic chicken is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but takes almost no time to make. It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and garlicky—with a glossy glaze that clings to every piece of tender chicken. The flavor is bold and balanced, and the entire recipe comes together in one pan.

It’s the perfect dish for nights when you want something flavorful but fast. Serve it over steamed rice, toss it into a bowl with veggies, or tuck it into lettuce wraps for something fresh and light.

What Makes It So Good

The combination of honey and soy sauce brings that crave-worthy sweet-salty balance, while fresh garlic gives the dish real depth. A touch of vinegar cuts through the richness, and searing the chicken locks in juices while creating a golden, crispy crust that absorbs the glaze beautifully.

There’s no deep frying involved—just a quick pan sear, a simple homemade sauce, and dinner is on the table in under 30 minutes.

Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup cornstarch (for light coating)
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)

For the sauce:

⅓ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Optional garnish:

Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

Instructions

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Lightly coat them in cornstarch for that perfect crisp edge. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and sear the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Set aside once done.

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes.

If you want a thicker glaze, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened and glossy.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce until every piece is fully coated and sticky. Let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes so the flavor really soaks in.

Serve hot over jasmine rice, with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions on top.

Ways to Serve It

This dish pairs beautifully with white or brown rice, lo mein noodles, or even quinoa. Add steamed broccoli or snow peas on the side for a balanced plate. You can also wrap it in lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumber for a lighter option.

It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats easily in a skillet or microwave. The glaze stays sticky and flavorful even after sitting.

Final Thoughts

Sticky honey garlic chicken is one of those dishes that hits every craving—sweet, savory, garlicky, and golden brown. It’s fast, flexible, and deeply satisfying whether you serve it for dinner, meal prep, or a last-minute lunch.