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.
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
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
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
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
Add the broccoli florets to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green.
- 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
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the chicken and broccoli completely in the sauce.
- 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.