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Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken

Forget takeout. This definitive version features extra-crispy chicken thigh pieces in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that comes together in minutes. The secret is a cornstarch coating for the chicken and a pre-mixed, lump-free sauce that guarantees a thick, glossy finish every time.

25 minServes 3easyhoney garlic chickenchicken thigh recipeweeknight dinnerbetter than takeoutsweet and savory
Ultimate Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch, divided
  • to taste Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Sliced scallions, for garnish

Steps

  1. 1

    Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a medium bowl: combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 tablespoon of the cornstarch.

  2. 2

    In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper, until every piece is evenly coated.

  3. 3

    Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

  4. 4

    Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green.

  5. 5

    Stir the sauce mixture once more, then pour it into the skillet with the broccoli. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until it thickens into a glossy glaze, about 1-2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli completely in the sauce.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately over hot rice, garnished with sesame seeds and sliced scallions.

Pro tips

  • Sear, Don't Steam: To get a truly crispy crust on the chicken, make sure the pan is hot and don't overcrowd it. Work in two batches if your skillet isn't large enough.
  • Lump-Free Sauce Trick: Whisking the cornstarch into the cold sauce liquids before heating is a foolproof technique to ensure a perfectly smooth, thick sauce without clumps.
  • Bloom Your Aromatics: Adding the garlic and ginger to the sauce and letting it simmer allows their flavors to infuse the entire dish for a more aromatic result.
  • Prep Ahead: This dish cooks very quickly. Have all your ingredients measured, chopped, and ready to go before you turn on the stove.