This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is an easy chicken recipe with a huge payoff. Picture tender popcorn chicken pieces coated in a luscious, sweet, garlicky sauce with just the right hint of spice.
I’ve got a mouth-watering recipe that’s become a huge hit in our home. Honey Garlic Chicken is coming your way, and I’m excited for you to try it!
This dish is not only a breeze to make using pre-cooked popcorn chicken but also an absolute taste sensation. It’s one of my new favorite things.
Whether it’s a regular family dinner or you’re looking to dazzle at your next gathering, this honey garlic chicken is sure to win hearts.
I love cooking chicken on the stove top. Bringing this dish to a simmer, with all its spices a sauces, is the easiest way to make everyone’s mouths water!
Seriously, the aroma that fills the house as you’re cooking this honey chicken is the best thing ever. Next to actually eating it, of course.
I’m pretty sure this homemade honey garlic chicken is going to be a family favorite going forward. So make sure to save the recipe card below!
Let’s explore what else makes this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe a must-try.
Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: The Best Butter Chicken Recipe, Lemon Garlic Recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs, and Air Fryer Dinner Recipe with Chicken and Potatoes.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Effortless and Quick: With minimal prep and cook time, this easy recipe with simple ingredients is ideal for busy weeknights. I love it when a quick meal comes together!
- Flexible: This delicious recipe is perfect for using different cuts of chicken – whether it’s popcorn chicken, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or breast pieces. Try out different types and see what you like best.
- Everyone’s Favorite: Its mouth-watering flavors make it a hit among the whole family. I made some without the red chili flakes for Lily and she loved it!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Popcorn chicken or boneless chicken pieces
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Scallions (green onions)
- Fresh garlic
- Red chili flakes
- Unsalted chicken stock
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Rice wine vinegar
- Cornstarch slurry (for thickening)
HOW TO MAKE HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN RECIPE:
- Prepare the popcorn chicken in the oven per the directions on the back of the packaging and set aside.
- In a large wok or skillet over medium heat, add the oil.
- Once hot, add the white part of the green onion, garlic, and chili flakes. Stir constantly and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken stock, honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar and stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer. Once at a simmer, slowly stream in the cornstarch slurry while whisking constantly until thickened.
- Immediately add the chicken and toss in the sauce until the chicken is coated and warmed through. Serve with the remaining green onion for garnish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
DO I HAVE TO USE POPCORN CHICKEN?
Absolutely not! You have the flexibility to use various parts of the chicken.
Boneless skinless thighs are a fantastic option, especially if you love tender, juicy meat. They work wonderfully with the sweet honey and rich garlic flavors of this sauce.
If you prefer a leaner option, boneless skinless chicken breasts are a great choice too.
Whichever part of the chicken you choose, the result will be a delicious dinner that’s sure to be a hit with the entire family.
If you don’t want to use premade popcorn chicken, make your own alternative with light fried chicken:
- Season bite-sized pieces of chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss in cornstarch until well coated.
- Fry in ½ inch oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and an internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain on paper towels and fry the remaining chicken; proceed with the recipe as written.
WHAT KIND OF POPCORN CHICKEN IS THE BEST TO USE?
For this recipe, both frozen and deli-bought popcorn chicken are excellent choices. If you’re pressed for time on a busy weeknight, frozen popcorn chicken can be a real lifesaver – just heat it up and it’s ready to go.
For a fresher option, deli-bought popcorn chicken is great too. It’s usually seasoned and cooked just right, making your cooking time shorter and adding much flavor to your dish.
Remember, the key to a great recipe is using ingredients that are convenient and work best for you.
IS THIS SPICY?
The recipe, as it stands, offers a mild kick thanks to the chili flakes. However, it’s incredibly easy to adjust to your personal spice preference.
If you love a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili flakes or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of heat, you can reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.
The beauty of this honey garlic chicken recipe lies in its adaptability – whether you like it mild or fiery, the sweet sauce and crispy chicken will still shine through.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Oh there are all kinds of things we could add here. Check these out!
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a crunchy finish.
- Add green beans or cauliflower rice for a nutritious twist.
- Drizzle some hoisin sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Top with freshly chopped green onions for added freshness.
- Serve over white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- A dash of sesame oil can elevate the Asian flavors.
- Consider adding bell peppers or pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory balance.
- Garnish with crispy fried onions for extra texture.
- Mix in almond flour or coconut oil for a unique twist.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Yeppers! I’ve got a few ideas for you.
- Replace honey with agave syrup for a different sweetness.
- Swap soy sauce with a low-sodium variant or tamari.
- Gluten-free options like rice flour or gluten-free soy sauce can be used.
- Substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Instead of red chili flakes, try a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for varying heat levels.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
When you want to warm it up, use the microwave or heat it up again on the skillet! You may need to add a splash more of chicken stock to loosen up the sauce.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a great option for meal planning.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- If using boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut them into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- For an extra kick, incorporate a bit of hot sauce or increase the amount of chili flakes.
- Utilize a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature.
- Allow the sauce to simmer on medium-low heat for flavors to meld together beautifully.
- You may need to add a splash more of chicken stock to loosen up the sauce when reheating.
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a wonderful way to bring a burst of flavor to your dining table. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spicy – a dish that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, give this recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite. It’s a delicious adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen. Bon appétit!
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If you’ve tried this HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN RECIPE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 pounds cooked popcorn chicken
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 scallions thinly sliced, white and green parts divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3/4 cup unsalted chicken stock
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- Cornstarch slurry 1 tablespoon water + 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the popcorn chicken in the oven per the directions on the back of the packaging and set aside.1 & 1/2 pounds cooked popcorn chicken
- In a large wok or skillet over medium heat, add the oil.1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Once hot, add the white part of the green onion, garlic, and chili flakes. Stir constantly and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.4 scallions, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Add the chicken stock, honey, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar and stir to combine.3/4 cup unsalted chicken stock, 3/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- Bring to a simmer. Once at a simmer, slowly stream in the cornstarch slurry while whisking constantly until thickened.Cornstarch slurry
- Immediately add the chicken and toss in the sauce until the chicken is coated and warmed through. Serve with the remaining green onion for garnish.
Notes
- If using boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut them into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- For an extra kick, incorporate a bit of hot sauce or increase the amount of chili flakes.
- Utilize a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature.
- Allow the sauce to simmer on medium-low heat for flavors to meld together beautifully.
- You may need to add a splash more of chicken stock to loosen up the sauce when reheating.
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