This Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken recipe is your new go-to for a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner. We’re talking about tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that’s simply irresistible. Forget takeout; this dish brings the best of Asian-inspired flavors to your kitchen in under 40 minutes. It’s a meal the whole family will ask for again and again.
Why This Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Recipe Works
What makes this recipe a standout? It’s all about the balance of flavors and the foolproof technique that delivers a perfectly lacquered glaze every single time. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
- Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in one pan, making for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
- Perfectly Balanced Glaze: The sauce strikes the perfect chord between sweet honey, salty soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and a hint of zesty ginger. It thickens beautifully to coat every piece of chicken.
- Versatile & Customizable: This recipe is fantastic as is, but you can easily customize it. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or throw in some vegetables for a complete one-pan meal.
The Key Ingredients
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet powerful, combination of ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the star here. They stay incredibly moist and tender. You can also use chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
- Cornstarch: A light coating of cornstarch gives the chicken a slightly crispy exterior and helps the glaze cling beautifully.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chicken before it hits the pan.
- Olive Oil: Or any neutral oil for searing the chicken.
For the Honey-Soy Glaze:
- Honey: This provides the sweetness and helps create that signature sticky texture.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are essential for a vibrant, aromatic flavor base.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity to cut through the richness and balance the sweetness.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a wonderful nutty depth to the sauce.
How to Make Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and sticky chicken dinner. The process is straightforward and perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step to ensure the chicken sears well and gets a nice golden-brown crust. Cut the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Thicken and Combine
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the toasted sesame oil. Toss the chicken continuously until it’s fully coated in the glistening, thick glaze. This should only take another minute or two.
Tips for the Perfect Glaze
The star of this Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken is, without a doubt, the glaze. Here are a few tips to make sure it comes out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic can make the entire sauce bitter. Sauté it for just 30 seconds until it’s fragrant before adding the liquids.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer and reduce is what thickens it. Be patient; it will transform into a beautiful syrup-like consistency that clings to the chicken.
- Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This gives you control over the final saltiness of the dish. Regular soy sauce can sometimes be overpowering.
What to Serve with Your Chicken
This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides. You can keep it simple or create a more elaborate meal.
- Rice: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that extra delicious sauce. For a fun twist, try this Taco Rice Bowl recipe as a base.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a side of healthy sautéed vegetables add color and nutrients.
- Noodles: This chicken is fantastic with noodles. Try it with ramen, udon, or even a simple Chow Mein.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? You’re in luck! This dish tastes just as good the next day. Store any leftover Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it in 30-second intervals or gently warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water to the skillet to loosen the sauce.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Honey-Soy Chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Add Veggies: Turn this into a one-pan meal by adding broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas to the skillet when you add the chicken back in.
- Try a Different Protein: This glaze works beautifully with shrimp, tofu, or salmon. Check out this Cajun Salmon recipe for more fish inspiration!
FAQs About Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces. Since chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out, be sure to reduce the searing time slightly to ensure they stay juicy.
The key to a thick glaze is to let it simmer and reduce in the skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding the chicken back in. The honey and soy sauce will naturally thicken as some of the water evaporates, creating a perfectly sticky sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to the skillet to help loosen the sauce as it warms up.
This recipe can certainly be part of a healthy diet. It’s packed with protein. To keep it on the healthier side, use low-sodium soy sauce, serve it with plenty of vegetables, and opt for brown rice or quinoa.
This dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. For vegetables, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a side of sautéed bok choy are all excellent choices.
Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Dinner!
This Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken is a true winner for any occasion. It’s fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit. We hope you love making and sharing this dish. If you do, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below! For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken Recipe
Honey-Soy Glazed Chicken: A Sticky, Savory Weeknight Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and cut into 1-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the chicken to the skillet, add the toasted sesame oil, and toss to coat everything in the glaze. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
Variations: Add a teaspoon of sriracha for a spicy kick or toss in some steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
