When you’re in the mood for a meal that’s both sweet and savory with just the right amount of stickiness, Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken is the answer. This dish delivers crispy, juicy chicken coated in a thick, glossy honey garlic sauce that balances rich, garlicky flavors with a touch of sweetness.
The best part? It’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a better-than-takeout meal, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed veggies for a complete and satisfying dish.
Let’s break it down step by step so you can make this restaurant-quality meal at home—without the hassle.
What Makes This Honey Garlic Chicken So Good?
This dish stands out because it perfectly balances flavors and textures. Every bite has a crispy, golden exterior coated in a thick, sticky sauce that clings to the chicken beautifully. Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Crispy Yet Tender Chicken – The chicken is lightly coated and pan-fried until golden and crunchy, creating a contrast between the crisp coating and the juicy inside.
- Perfectly Balanced Sauce – The combination of honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic creates a sauce that’s sweet, garlicky, and deeply flavorful.
- Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
What You’ll Need to Make It
This recipe keeps things simple but delivers bold flavors. Here are the key ingredients that make it shine:
- Chicken (Thighs or Breasts) – Chicken thighs stay juicier, but chicken breasts work great too if you prefer leaner meat.
- Honey – The star of the sauce, adding a natural sweetness and sticky consistency that caramelizes beautifully.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for bold, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey and soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce – Provides that deep umami richness and enhances the overall balance of the dish.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
- Prep the Chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat with cornstarch to help create a crispy crust.
- Cook Until Golden – Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken pieces until they’re crispy and browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then stir in honey, soy sauce, and a splash of water. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the Chicken – Add the crispy chicken back to the pan and toss it in the sauce, letting it absorb all that sticky, garlicky goodness.
- Serve and Enjoy – Plate the chicken over rice or noodles, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and enjoy!
Want to Make It Your Own? Try These Variations!
This recipe is easy to customize depending on your preferences. Here are some ways to switch things up:
- Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Crunchy Upgrade – Toss in toasted cashews or peanuts for added texture and nuttiness.
- Lighter Option – Skip the cornstarch coating and stir-fry the chicken without frying for a lighter version.
- Extra Veggies – Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can be tossed in for extra color and crunch.
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Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This dish is everything you love about takeout, but made fresh at home. It’s crispy, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying.
- Perfectly Coated Chicken – The sauce clings to every bite, delivering maximum flavor in each mouthful.
- Fast and Foolproof – This recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal prep, and comes together quickly.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers store well and taste just as good the next day!
What to Serve with Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
Pairing this dish with the right sides takes it to the next level. Here are a few great options:
- Steamed Rice – The best base for soaking up all that delicious sticky sauce.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans – A light, garlicky side that complements the sweet and savory chicken.
- Sesame Noodles – Tossed in a light soy and sesame dressing, these noodles are a great pairing for the dish.
- Asian Cucumber Salad – Refreshing, crunchy, and slightly tangy, this salad balances out the richness of the chicken.
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet For frying the chicken and making the sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch for coating the chicken
- 3 tablespoons honey for the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce adds depth of flavor
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Coat lightly with cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then stir in honey, soy sauce, and water. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add chili flakes or sriracha.
- This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli or sesame noodles.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
Fantastic recipe, so delicious!
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
Great instructions, and the result was fantastic!