Ingredients
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For Garnish
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season and Coat Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper. Toss them with cornstarch until they are lightly and evenly coated, which helps create a crisp exterior when seared.
- Heat Oil and Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sriracha, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and grated fresh ginger. Whisk the ingredients together to blend the flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss it gently to ensure each piece is fully coated with the sticky honey garlic sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce can glaze the chicken nicely and intensify the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and color. Serve the spicy honey garlic chicken hot alongside steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to your heat preference.
- Using chicken thighs yields juicier results compared to chicken breasts.
- Consider serving with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
