Honey Garlic Chicken
To make Honey Garlic Chicken, brown the main ingredient hard enough to build flavor, then simmer it with honey and garlic until the sauce turns glossy and useful. This works because the pan does the flavor-building first and the sauce only comes in when it can actually help.
This honey garlic chicken browns the chicken hard first, then simmers it in a sticky honey-garlic sauce until it's glossy and full of flavor. Sweet, savory, and simple to pull together.
It's an easy dinner recipe for a weeknight, served over rice to catch the extra sauce. Brown your chicken well first — that's where the flavor starts.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup broth or cream
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- 1Brown the chicken in a hot skillet with the fat until it gets real color.
- 2Add garlic or aromatics and cook just until fragrant.
- 3Add the honey and garlic with the liquid and simmer until the sauce settles around the main ingredient.
- 4Taste and finish with acid, herbs, or cheese if the style needs a final push.
Pro Tips
- Get color on the protein before the sauce happens.
- Scrape the pan when you add liquid because that browned stuff is the point.
- Do not reduce cream sauces until they break. Stop while they are still silky.
Substitutions
Storage Instructions
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Make Ahead
Prep the ingredients ahead so the skillet moves without pause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Prep the ingredients ahead so the skillet moves without pause.
How do I store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken?
Store refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken?
Usually yes. Cool it completely, pack it well, and freeze for up to 2 months if the texture of the dish supports it.
What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
Serve Honey Garlic Chicken with something that gives it contrast, like a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, rice, or bread depending on the style.