Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet – Flavorful Homemade Recipe
Are you looking for an easy honey garlic chicken recipe that is quick, delicious, and perfect for home cooking? This honey garlic chicken skillet combines the caramelized sweetness of honey with the rich umami flavor of soy sauce. Inspired by classic Asian dishes but adapted for simple home cooking, Chef Dumas’ version delivers a balanced, aromatic dish that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes—ideal for a weeknight dinner or to impress without stress.
Ingredients (serves 4)
Protein
- 3–4 pieces of chicken (breast or thigh), halved horizontally
- 50 g flour for coating
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 100 mL honey (standard amount used in many recipes)
- 45–60 mL salty soy sauce
- 30 mL rice vinegar
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced (or grated for a more intense flavor)
- 30 mL butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Searing
- 30–45 mL duck fat (or butter)
Side
- White rice (see method)
- Green peas (or water spinach depending on season)
- A few drops of sesame oil for flavor
Instructions
Cook the rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove starch and get fluffy, separated grains.
- Ratio: 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid (e.g., 250 mL rice to 500 mL broth), or follow package instructions.
- Season broth with 5 g salt and 2 g pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add peas 5 minutes before the end to preserve their color and texture.
- Off the heat, stir in sesame oil gently.
Prepare the chicken
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels for better browning.
- Place each piece flat on a cutting board.
- With your hand flat on top to stabilize, carefully slice horizontally in half with a sharp knife for thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly.
- Lightly coat the chicken in flour and shake off excess to avoid a thick crust.
Sear the chicken
- Heat a skillet on high heat (~240°C).
- Add duck fat or butter.
- Arrange chicken pieces without overcrowding and brown for 3–4 minutes per side until evenly golden.
Make the sauce
- Lower heat to medium.
- In the same pan, add butter and garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze with vinegar, then add soy sauce and honey.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
If you’re loving the sweet and savory flavor of this dish, be sure to try our crispy General Tso’s Chicken, or for something creamy and comforting, this Creamy Mustard Chicken with Mushrooms is a hit. Want another bold weeknight winner? Don’t miss this Marry Me Chicken.
Combine and glaze
- Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until syrupy.
- Taste and adjust with salt, honey, or a bit of spice (sriracha or chili flakes).
Plating
- Place rice on plates.
- Top with chicken glazed in sauce.
- Garnish with parsley or a few peas.
- Serve immediately.
💡 Easy Substitutions
- Soy sauce: tamari, coconut aminos, or Worcestershire (use less)
- Honey: maple syrup, agave, golden syrup, or brown sugar (vegan or allergy-friendly)
- Rice vinegar: lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar
- Duck fat: butter, avocado oil, or neutral oil (duck fat preferred for rich flavor)
- Spice or freshness: chili flakes, sriracha, ginger, or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley
🧠 Chef Tips & Secrets
- Dry chicken before cooking for better browning
- Hot pan and spaced portions prevent starch leakage and ensure perfect sear
- Add honey at the end to avoid burning
- Whisk slurry into sauce to thicken without lumps
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth or simmering longer
- Taste and tweak seasoning — a pinch of salt, honey, or spice transforms the sauce
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can this dish be made ahead?
Yes, chicken keeps 4 days in the fridge or 1 month frozen. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet.
How to avoid the sauce being too sweet?
Reduce honey to 60 mL, increase soy sauce to 60 mL, and add vinegar or chili for balance.
How else to thicken the sauce?
Slowly reduce on heat, add slurry (cornstarch, arrowroot, flour), or a bit of butter for shine.
What sides go well with honey garlic chicken?
White, brown, or steamed rice, steamed or sautéed vegetables, Asian noodles, quinoa, or Buddha bowls.
Variations & Inspiration
- Crispy chicken: dust with cornstarch and fry before coating in sauce
- Vegan option: use tofu or seitan, olive oil instead of fat, garlic, honey or maple syrup
- Spicy: add sriracha, chili flakes, or Thai chili sauce
- Fresh notes: garnish with cilantro, lime, or microgreens
- Herbs: a sprig of fresh thyme or bay leaf in sauce adds delicate aroma
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- General Tso’s Chicken — crispy, sweet, spicy, and better than takeout.
- Creamy Mustard Chicken with Mushrooms — comforting and rich.
- Marry Me Chicken — the viral creamy chicken dish that lives up to the hype.
- Chicken Piccata — lemony, elegant, and quick.
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo — creamy, cheesy pasta done right.
Useful Links
🛒 Michel Dumas Shop : Explore our kitchen essentials, including aprons and knives.
🌐 Linktree : Access all our important links in one place.
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Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet – Flavorful Homemade Recipe
Are you looking for an easy honey garlic chicken recipe that is quick, delicious, and perfect for home cooking? This honey garlic chicken skillet combines the caramelized sweetness of honey with the rich umami flavor of soy sauce. Inspired by classic Asian dishes but adapted for simple home cooking, Chef Dumas’ version delivers a balanced, aromatic dish that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes—ideal for a weeknight dinner or to impress without stress.
Ingredients
Protein
- 3 –4 pieces of chicken breast or thigh, halved horizontally
- 50 g flour for coating
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 100 mL honey
- 45 –60 mL salty soy sauce
- 30 mL rice vinegar
- 4 –6 garlic cloves minced (or grated for more intense flavor)
- 30 mL butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Searing
- 30 –45 mL duck fat or butter
Side
- White rice see method
- Green peas or water spinach depending on season
- A few drops of sesame oil for flavor
Instructions
Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Use a ratio of 1 part rice to 2 parts liquid (e.g., 250 mL rice to 500 mL broth), or follow package instructions.
- Season the broth with 5 g salt and 2 g pepper.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add green peas 5 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Off the heat, stir in sesame oil gently.
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
- Place one piece flat on the cutting board.
- With your hand flat on top to stabilize, carefully slice the piece horizontally in half with a sharp knife. Work slowly to avoid injury.
- Lightly coat the pieces with flour and shake off excess.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat a skillet on high (~240°C).
- Add duck fat or butter.
- Brown the chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side without overcrowding the pan.
Make the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- In the same pan, add butter and garlic, sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Deglaze with rice vinegar, then add soy sauce and honey.
- Simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Combine and Glaze
- Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, honey, or spice (sriracha, chili flakes).
Plating
- Place the rice on plates.
- Top with chicken glazed in sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can this dish be made ahead?Yes, chicken keeps 4 days in the fridge or 1 month frozen. Reheat gently in microwave or skillet. How to avoid the sauce being too sweet?
Reduce honey to 60 mL, increase soy sauce to 60 mL, and add vinegar or chili for balance. How else to thicken the sauce?
Slowly reduce on heat, add slurry (cornstarch, arrowroot, flour), or a bit of butter for shine. What sides go well with honey garlic chicken?
White, brown, or steamed rice, steamed or sautéed vegetables, Asian noodles, quinoa, or Buddha bowls.
Variations & Inspiration
- Crispy chicken: dust with cornstarch and fry before coating in sauce
- Vegan option: use tofu or seitan, olive oil instead of fat, garlic, honey or maple syrup
- Spicy: add sriracha, chili flakes, or Thai chili sauce
- Fresh notes: garnish with cilantro, lime, or microgreens
- Herbs: a sprig of fresh thyme or bay leaf in sauce adds delicate aroma
