This honey garlic chicken recipe features seared chicken tenders smothered in the most amazing sticky sauce prepared with honey, hot sauce, garlic, and soy sauce. This family favorite is very easy to make – it is absolutely delicious and can be on the table in just 15 minutes using pantry ingredients.

Don’t miss these amazing Honey Garlic Pork Chops or my Honey Garlic Salmon!

 

Whip up this fast and simple honey garlic chicken recipe at home in just minutes, complete with the most amazing honey garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as an appetizer, this quick dinner idea is sure to become a family favorite!

The sweet, sticky, and garlicky sauce adds so much flavor to the tender chicken, making it a takeout restaurant-style dish that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re looking for something easy to prepare after a busy day or a crowd-pleasing dish for guests, this honey garlic chicken recipe has got you covered.

Why I Love Honey Garlic Chicken

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fast and hassle-free meal.
• Saucy: The sweet and garlicky sauce adds a rich taste that perfectly complements the crispy, juicy chicken.
• Versatile: Suitable as a hearty dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game-day gatherings.
• One-Skillet: Using just a single pan for cooking means easier preparation and minimal cleanup.

Recipe Ingredients

For this easy recipe, you’ll use simple pantry staples and a few fresh items to create a delicious honey garlic chicken. The sauce ingredients come together quickly for a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

• Chicken Tenderloins – You can also grab some chicken breasts and cut them into strips. Boneless chicken thighs would be a great alternative.
• Cornstarch – Used for coating the chicken tenders to add a little crisp.
• Seasonings: I used salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Dried thyme or basil are also okay to use.
• Olive oil and butter – We will use both to cook the chicken and to add richness to the sauce. The olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil.
• Honey – Sweetens the sauce, balancing out the savory and spicy flavors. Maple syrup or agave nectar also work.
• Garlic – I love using fresh garlic, but garlic powder is okay. You’ll need about 1/4 teaspoon per clove or to taste.
• Soy Sauce – You can use regular soy sauce or low sodium to add umami and saltiness to the sauce. Tamari or coconut aminos are good alternatives.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce – Provides heat and a hint of sweetness to the sauce. Crushed red pepper flakes can be used in a pinch.
• White Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and richness of the sauce.
• Garnish – Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, plus sesame seeds.

How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken

This recipe for honey garlic chicken tenders is perfect for a busy weeknight, delivering so much flavor in a short cooking time. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in no time.

1. Prep the Chicken: Combine cornstarch, salt, pepper, and oregano in a shallow plate. Coat the chicken tenders with the cornstarch mixture.
2. Sear: In the meantime, heat up a tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a 12-inch skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders to the hot skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Turn over the chicken, add a tablespoon of butter, and continue to cook for 4 more minutes or until cooked through. Use an Instant Read Thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature registers at 165˚F.
3. Make the Sauce: Combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, hot sauce, and vinegar in a small bowl and whisk until completely incorporated. Pour the sauce over the chicken tenders and continue to cook for 2 more minutes or until the sauce thickens.
4. Serve: Remove from heat; garnish with parsley and sesame seeds, and serve with the pan sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Honey garlic chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic touch, serve it with an Asian cucumber salad and a side dish of white rice like this fragrant Jasmine rice or coconut lime cauliflower rice. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, a cauliflower mash or these parmesan crusted potatoes are delicious options. For a unique twist, garlic asiago cauliflower rice is tops.

Looking for veggies? Air fryer brussel sprouts, these easy roasted green beans, or my favorite garlicky lemon parmesan broccoli make perfect accompaniments. If you want to mix things up, serve these chicken tenders over creamy asparagus pasta or zoodles, and don’t forget to spoon that delicious sauce right on top.

How To Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Transfer cooled chicken tenders to an airtight container; spoon the sauce over the chicken, and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
• To reheat, place the chicken tenders in a baking dish and bake at 300˚F degrees until warm. Or, use your quick and efficient microwave.

More Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables Rollups
• Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken with Potatoes
• Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Honey Soy Chicken