If you love a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor, comes together in a flash, and doesn’t leave you swimming in dishes, you’ll adore this 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken. Juicy chicken tossed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of heat—this is one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll reach for every time you need dinner, fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dinner in a Flash: You seriously won’t believe how fast this comes together—you can have a hot meal on the table in just 15 minutes, start to finish!
- Big on Flavor, Light on Effort: The sweet, garlicky, slightly spicy sauce makes every bite crave-worthy, yet the ingredient list is beautifully short and simple.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the sticky, honey-glazed chicken (and you can tweak the heat for younger taste buds).
- Super Versatile: Pile it over rice, nestle it into lettuce wraps, or pair it with veggies—the 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken adapts to your mood and pantry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to deliver maximum impact in this dish. Each plays a starring role—giving the chicken its juicy bite, the glaze its signature sheen, and that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky. Here’s how they work their magic:
- Extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil): Helps brown the chicken and gives a subtle richness to the finished glaze.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chopped into small cubes, they cook ultra-fast and soak up all the honey garlic goodness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, but keep it light—soy sauce adds plenty of flavor.
- Honey: The not-so-secret star, creates that glossy, sweet finish that clings to every bite.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Brings salty, umami depth without overwhelming the dish; low-sodium lets you control the final taste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers bold, aromatic flavor for that classic honey garlic chicken punch.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of heat, just a pinch adds a gentle kick—totally adjustable!
- For serving: Rice, green onions, sesame seeds, peanuts, and lime wedges make the chicken pop and turn it into a meal.
Variations
One of the best things about 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is how perfectly it lends itself to change-ups—so you can play, improvise, and make it feel brand new every time. Let the ingredients or occasion inspire you!
- Swap the Protein: Try boneless thighs, shrimp, or even tofu cubes for a new spin.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep it completely gluten-free.
- All Veggie: Toss in broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes for a veggie-packed version.
- Extra Saucy: Simply double the glaze ingredients if you want that “bowl-licking” level of sauciness—perfect over rice or noodles!
How to Make 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your oil. Season the cubed chicken lightly with salt and pepper (don’t go heavy-handed, since the soy sauce is salty!). Spread the chicken out in the skillet so the pieces aren’t crowded, and let them brown undisturbed on one side for 3–4 minutes. This quick sear locks in juices and gives you those lovely golden edges.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is browning, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat). The sauce will look thin, but don’t worry—it thickens up as it cooks and glazes the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Toss Chicken in Sauce & Finish Cooking
Flip the chicken pieces so they start cooking on the other side. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and give everything a quick toss so the chicken is evenly coated. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is sticky and thick (add a splash of water if it reduces too quickly, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry if needed).
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the glossy chicken over a bed of steamed brown or white rice, and finish with your favorite toppings—green onions, sesame seeds, maybe crush a few peanuts, and definitely a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness. Enjoy every saucy, satisfying bite!
Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
- Fast Cut for Quick Cook: Dice your chicken into uniform ½-inch cubes for speedy, even cooking—no overcooked or raw surprises!
- Sauce Thickness Secrets: If your glaze is thinner than you like, stir in a cornstarch slurry in the last couple of minutes; it works like magic every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd! Give the chicken some space in the pan so it browns rather than steams—work in batches if you’re scaling up.
- Double the Sauce for Rice Lovers: Love lots of sauce to soak up with your rice or noodles? Easily double the honey, soy, and garlic—all the flavor, none of the extra cleanup!
How to Serve 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or a handful of chopped peanuts each add bursts of flavor and a bit of crunch, while a squeeze of lime brightens the dish and balances the sweetness of the honey garlic glaze. Don’t skip these—they turn everyday chicken into something extra special!
Side Dishes
This chicken practically begs to be paired with fluffy steamed rice—brown or white both work beautifully. For veggies, think quick-steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted carrots. You can even serve it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a twist!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, tuck the 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken into crisp lettuce cups for a party appetizer, or skewer the pieces and serve as finger food. Piling it into a bento box or wrapping it in a warm tortilla gives you even more ways to enjoy this weeknight wonder.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container along with all the tasty honey garlic sauce. Stored in the fridge, 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken keeps perfectly for 4–5 days, making it ideal for meal prep or a quick next-day lunch!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly! Freeze cooled chicken (with sauce) in well-sealed containers or zip-top bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavor at their best.
Reheating
For fastest results, reheat gently in the microwave, stirring halfway through to warm evenly, or pop it back into a skillet over medium heat until bubbly. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much after chilling.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are delicious here—they’re extra juicy and soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully. Just cut them into bite-size pieces, and they’ll cook just as quickly.
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How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you want your sauce extra thick and glossy, mix a teaspoon or two of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce in the final minute or two of cooking. It’ll thicken up in no time!
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Can I double the recipe?
You can absolutely double 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken—just be sure to use a large skillet or cook the chicken in batches. Keeping those chicken cubes in a single layer ensures they sear rather than steam.
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Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but the spiciness is totally up to you. For a family-friendly version, skip them; or for a little more kick, bump them up to your liking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers on flavor, ease, and speed, it’s time to put 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken into your regular rotation. I hope you give it a try—and fall in love with how simple and delicious dinnertime can be. Enjoy every sticky-sweet bite!
Print
15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes (about 1/2 inch)
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat)
For serving (optional):
- Brown or white rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges to squeeze over chicken
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken: Lightly season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and brown on one side.
- Make glaze: Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Cook chicken: Turn chicken pieces over, add the sauce to the pan, and toss to coat. Cook until chicken is done.
- Serve: Serve with rice and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime juice.
Notes
- Thickening: If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry. Double the sauce for extra flavor.
- Serving suggestions: Pair with rice and vegetables or alternative grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat with the sauce for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
