One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken (20 Minute!) – Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Sticky

There’s something magical about that moment when tender chicken meets a glossy, sweet-and-savory honey garlic glaze — the aroma fills the kitchen, and dinner feels instantly special. This One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken brings all that magic to your weeknight table in just 20 minutes flat. No fuss, no fancy ingredients, just pure comfort in every sticky, flavorful bite.

This recipe is one of my favorite quick dinners to pull together after a long day. With just a few pantry staples, you can turn plain chicken into something restaurant-worthy. The sauce thickens beautifully as it simmers, clinging to each golden-brown piece of chicken like edible caramel. It’s a meal that hits all the right notes — sweet, salty, garlicky, and satisfying — and it all happens in a single pan.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Thicken (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until glossy.
5. Combine and coat: Return the chicken to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and simmer for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and sticky.
6. Finish and serve: Drizzle with sesame oil, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Tips & Tricks

• For crispier chicken, coat pieces lightly in cornstarch before frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear the chicken in two batches if needed for even browning.
• Add a splash of sriracha or chili flakes if you like a little heat.

Variations

• Vegan option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets.
• Citrus twist: Add a tablespoon of orange juice or zest to brighten the sauce.
• Herb boost: Sprinkle with cilantro or Thai basil before serving for fresh aroma.

One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken (20 Minute!)

A quick and flavorful one-pan honey garlic chicken, ready in 20 minutes with a sticky sweet-savory glaze and minimal cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Honey Garlic Chicken

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 0.33 cup honey
• 0.25 cup soy sauce low-sodium
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions sliced, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes until golden.
3. Remove chicken; sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add honey, soy sauce, and vinegar; simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add optional cornstarch slurry to thicken; cook 1 minute.
6. Return chicken; toss to coat in sauce.
7. Drizzle with sesame oil, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve.

Notes

Serve over rice or noodles for a quick, satisfying dinner. Great for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions
Serve this honey garlic chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice for a comforting bowl-style dinner. It’s also delicious over stir-fried noodles or alongside roasted broccoli or bok choy.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes beautifully — freeze portions for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more richness and tenderness — just adjust the cook time by 2–3 minutes.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook the sauce separately and store it in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to serve, cook your chicken and pour the sauce over to warm through.

Does it work with other proteins?
Definitely. Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu — all pair beautifully with honey garlic sauce.

History / Fun Facts
Honey and garlic have been staples in cooking for thousands of years. Ancient Greeks believed honey was a “gift from the gods,” while garlic was valued for its strength and healing properties. When the two came together in Asian-inspired sauces centuries later, it created a harmony that transcends borders. Today, honey garlic sauce appears in cuisines around the world — from Korean and Chinese to American fusion — proving that sweet and savory will always be a love story worth retelling.