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Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken

Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken
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Better Than Takeout Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy homemade meal featuring tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts coated in a luscious, savory-sweet honey garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights and customizable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until fully combined. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to form a smooth slurry that will be used to thicken the sauce later.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Place chicken thighs or breasts in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture into the same skillet. Cook for a few minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continuously stir until the sauce thickens to a shiny, sticky glaze.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat evenly with the sauce. Let it cook together for about one minute to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes over the chicken for freshness and a mild kick. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Use skin-on chicken thighs for extra crispness and flavor, then remove skin before tossing in sauce if desired.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it’s key for achieving the signature thick, glossy sauce texture.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting the sauce before adding the slurry, tweaking honey or soy sauce amounts as needed.
  • Sear chicken on high heat to lock in juices and develop a caramelized crust.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes to remain juicy when sliced.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, takeout copycat, gluten-free honey garlic chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/better-than-takeout-honey-garlic-chicken/