If you want a cozy dinner that feels special without asking much from you, this one pan chicken is such a win. The sauce turns glossy, sweet, and garlicky, and the whole dish comes together with simple pantry staples.
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 4 cup honey
- 1 4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- red pepper flakes optional, for garnish
- green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps the chicken brown nicely in the pan.
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, then transfer it to a plate.
- In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar, then whisk in the cornstarch.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens into a glossy coating.
- Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, then serve warm.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This This Dish
This recipe is weeknight-friendly, family-friendly, and full of bold flavor. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy dinner.
This Dish Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken thighs or chicken breasts, both work well
- Honey, for sweetness and shine
- Garlic, freshly minced for the best flavor
- Soy sauce, or tamari if you prefer a gluten-free option
- Chicken broth, for a savory base
- Apple cider vinegar, to balance the sweetness
- Cornstarch, to help thicken the sauce
- Olive oil, for searing
- Salt and black pepper, to season
- Red pepper flakes, optional for a little heat
- Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Dish
Step 1: Season the chicken
Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper. This helps the chicken brown nicely in the pan.
Step 2: Sear until golden
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides, then transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Make the sauce
In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar, then whisk in the cornstarch.
Step 4: Simmer and finish
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens into a glossy coating.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Finish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, then serve warm.
Tips for Success
Keep the heat steady so the sauce thickens without burning. If your sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth. If it seems too thin, let it simmer a little longer until it clings to the chicken.
Variations of This Dish
Try adding broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to make it a full skillet meal. You can also swap in shrimp or tofu if you want to change up the protein. For a deeper flavor, add a little grated ginger to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with This Dish
This chicken is delicious over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. A simple side of roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad makes the meal feel complete.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth, or warm in the microwave in short bursts until heated through.
Memories Made Around the Table
Meals like this remind me how comforting a simple skillet dinner can be. It is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table quickly, and usually leaves very little behind.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just watch the cooking time closely so they stay juicy and do not overcook.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or whisk in a little more cornstarch mixed with water if needed.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. It reheats nicely, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
Rice, noodles, potatoes, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully with the sweet and savory sauce.
Final Thoughts
This easy honey garlic chicken is one of those dinners that feels comforting, flavorful, and doable any night of the week. With one pan and a handful of ingredients, you get a meal that tastes like much more effort than it really takes.