Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Tender + Ready in 20 Minutes)

If you’ve ever craved a dinner that tastes like your favorite takeout—sweet, savory, sticky, and totally addictive—but didn’t want to wait for delivery (or spend extra money), Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Tender + Ready in 20 Minutes) is the recipe you need in your back pocket.

This is one of those magical meals that checks every box:

• Fast (seriously… 20 minutes start to finish)

• Simple (pantry ingredients + one skillet)

• Family-friendly (sweet honey glaze wins every time)

• Meal-prep worthy (reheats like a dream)

• Better than takeout (more flavor, less grease, zero mystery ingredients)

The chicken thighs are lightly coated in cornstarch, pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce made with honey, butter, soy sauce, and vinegar. As it simmers, it thickens into that irresistible sticky glaze that clings to every bite.

If you’re looking for a reliable weeknight winner that feels special without being complicated, this is it.

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Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken

Here’s why Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Tender + Ready in 20 Minutes) is one of those recipes you’ll keep making again and again:

✅ 1) Ready in just 20 minutes

Perfect for those nights when you’re hungry now.

✅ 2) Sticky, glossy, restaurant-style sauce

That thick glaze is what makes this recipe feel like takeout—without leaving home.

✅ 3) Chicken thighs stay super tender

Boneless chicken thighs cook fast and stay juicy even if you slightly overcook them (unlike chicken breast).

✅ 4) One pan, minimal cleanup

You’ll love how easy it is—especially on busy nights.

✅ 5) Delicious with rice, noodles, or veggies

It’s a flexible dinner that works with whatever you have.

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Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Tender + Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Course: Dinner

• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-inspired

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that create big flavor.

Chicken

• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Honey Garlic Sauce

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 110 g (1/3 cup) honey

• 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

To Serve (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ½ tsp chili flakes

• Boiled rice (jasmine rice is perfect!)

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Ingredient Notes + Easy Swaps

Chicken thighs

Boneless chicken thighs are best here because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you only have chicken breast, you can still make it (I’ll include tips below).

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the secret to takeout-style texture. It gives the chicken a light coating so the sauce sticks and becomes glossy.

Honey

Honey provides sweetness and thickness. It’s what gives the sauce that sticky glaze.

Soy sauce

Adds salty umami balance so the sauce isn’t too sweet. Light soy sauce is best, but regular works too.

Rice vinegar

That little bit of acid keeps the sauce from tasting heavy or overly sweet. You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

Chicken stock

Helps the sauce simmer and reduces into a glaze. Water works in a pinch, but stock tastes better.

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Equipment Needed

• Large frying pan or skillet (non-stick or cast iron)

• Tongs or spatula

• Mixing bowl (for sauce)

• Cutting board + knife (for garlic)

• Measuring cups/spoons

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How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken (Step-by-Step)

This is the exact method for Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Tender + Ready in 20 Minutes).

Step 1: Coat the chicken

Place chicken thighs in a bowl. Add:

• cornstarch

• salt

• pepper

Toss until every piece is well coated. The coating should look light and powdery, not thick.

Pro Tip: If your chicken is wet, pat it dry with paper towels first. Dry chicken = better sear.

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Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat.

Add chicken thighs in a single layer.

• Cook 4–5 minutes on the first side until golden

• Flip and cook 2 minutes on the other side

You don’t need the chicken to be fully cooked yet—it will finish in the sauce.

Important: Don’t overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in batches.

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Step 3: Add butter + garlic

Lower the heat to medium.

Add:

• butter

• minced garlic

Stir for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the garlic smells fragrant.

Do not burn the garlic—burned garlic turns bitter and ruins the sauce.

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Step 4: Mix the sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

• honey

• chicken stock

• rice vinegar

• light soy sauce

Stir well.

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Step 5: Simmer until sticky

Pour the sauce into the pan.

Turn heat slightly up and bring it to a gentle boil.

Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce becomes thick, glossy, and sticky.

You’ll know it’s ready when:

• the sauce coats the back of a spoon

• it clings to the chicken

• it looks shiny and caramel-like

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Step 6: Serve

Turn off heat.

Sprinkle with:

• fresh parsley

• chili flakes

Serve hot over rice.

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What Makes This Honey Garlic Sauce So Addictive?

The flavor is all about balance:

• Honey = sweet + sticky glaze

• Soy sauce = salty, deep umami

• Garlic = bold fragrance

• Butter = richness + smooth finish

• Vinegar = cuts sweetness, brightens everything

When it reduces in the pan, the sauce thickens naturally—no extra slurry needed. That’s why it feels like restaurant-quality sauce with barely any ingredients.

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Tips for Success (So It Turns Out Perfect Every Time)

Here are the best tips to guarantee your Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Tender + Ready in 20 Minutes) turns out flawless:

✅ 1) Cornstarch is non-negotiable

It creates a light crust and helps the sauce cling.

✅ 2) Don’t overcrowd the pan

Crowding = steaming, not searing.
Sear in batches for best texture.

✅ 3) Keep garlic at medium heat

High heat burns garlic fast.

✅ 4) Want thicker sauce?

Simmer 1–2 minutes longer.

✅ 5) Want more sauce?

Add 2–3 tablespoons extra stock and increase honey slightly.

✅ 6) Use thighs for maximum tenderness

Chicken breast dries quicker, so adjust cook time if using it.

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Variations (Delicious Ways to Switch It Up)

One reason this recipe stays popular is how easily it adapts.

1) Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken

Add one of the following:

• 1 tsp sriracha

• ½ tsp cayenne

• 1 tsp chili garlic paste

• extra chili flakes

2) Honey Garlic Ginger Chicken

Add 1 tsp freshly grated ginger with the garlic. It adds a fresh zing that tastes extra “takeout style.”

3) Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites

Cut chicken into bite-size chunks before coating. Sear until crispy, then glaze. Perfect for kids or party-style serving.

4) Honey Garlic Chicken with Vegetables

Add veggies after searing chicken:

• broccoli florets

• snap peas

• bell peppers

• green beans

You can quickly sauté them in the pan before adding the sauce.

5) Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Use wings instead of thighs:
Bake or air fry wings until crispy, then toss in the honey garlic sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

This honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with:

🍚 Starches

• steamed jasmine rice

• coconut rice

• fried rice

• noodles (ramen, udon, egg noodles)

• quinoa

🥦 Vegetables

• stir-fried broccoli

• sautéed green beans

• roasted carrots

• garlic bok choy

🥒 Fresh sides (perfect contrast!)

• cucumber salad

• Asian slaw

• pickled veggies

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Storage + Reheating

This recipe is excellent for meal prep.

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months.
Best frozen without rice (rice can get mushy when reheated).

Reheating

• Microwave: Add a splash of water, cover loosely, heat 1–2 minutes

• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat with 1–2 tbsp water or stock

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FAQ (Common Questions)

Can I use chicken breast?

Yes! Use thin-sliced chicken breast or cutlets. Cook a little less time to avoid drying out.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—swap soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Is it really sticky without extra cornstarch slurry?

Yes. Honey reduces and thickens naturally as it simmers.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—and honestly, you should if you love saucy chicken. It’s amazing over rice.

Print

Nutrition (Estimated per serving, without rice)

(Values vary by brands and portion size.)

• Calories: ~430

• Protein: ~28g

• Fat: ~18g

• Carbs: ~38g

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Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Chicken (Sticky, Tender + Ready in 20 Minutes) is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make a meal that feels exciting. It’s sweet, savory, garlicky, sticky, and downright comforting—everything you want when you’re craving takeout flavors but still want something homemade.

What I love most about this recipe is how reliable it is. It works for busy weeknights, meal prep lunches, cozy family dinners, and even casual entertaining. The sauce is the kind that makes everyone scrape their plate clean, and the whole meal comes together faster than you can scroll through delivery apps.

So if you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick but still makes you feel like you cooked something special, keep this one close. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a weekly favorite in your kitchen—because sticky honey garlic chicken has that effect on people.