Classic Honey Chicken
Classic Honey Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Ensure each piece is lightly dusted.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. In another tiny bowl, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Set both aside.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Whisk the cornstarch slurry one more time and then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min
- 7
Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Classic Honey Chicken
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, low sodium
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Ensure each piece is lightly dusted.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. In another tiny bowl, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Set both aside.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Whisk the cornstarch slurry one more time and then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the honey garlic glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 5 min - 7
Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.