Quick Description
This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken is a perfectly balanced dish of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Made with tender chicken thighs (or breasts), seasoned to perfection, and coated in a rich honey garlic glaze, it’s an easy yet impressive meal. Whether cooked in the pan or baked in the oven, this dish is quick, flavorful, and perfect for dinner any night of the week.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Chicken:
- 1 kg boneless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into thick strips)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
For the Glaze:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup (adds color and thickness)
- 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, makes sauce glossy)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat oil in a large skillet (or oven-safe pan) over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken on both sides for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. If using breasts, cook for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
2. Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the glaze has thickened slightly (about 3–4 minutes), remove from heat. If you want a glossy finish, add butter and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey garlic glaze over the chicken in the pan, turning the pieces to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2–3 minutes for the glaze to soak in.
4. Serve
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs (optional), and enjoy with your favorite sides like rice, vegetables, or salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
(Based on chicken thighs, 4 servings)
- Calories: 300–350
- Protein: 30–35g
- Carbs: 15–18g
- Fat: 14–18g
- Fiber: 0–1g
Benefits
- High-Protein: Each serving offers 30–35g of protein from the chicken.
- Sweet & Savory: The honey garlic glaze adds a perfect balance of flavors.
- Customizable: Add heat with chili flakes or skip the ketchup for a lighter glaze.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Can be cooked in a pan or oven, depending on your preference.
Additional Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: After cooking the chicken, broil it in the oven for 2–3 minutes to make the glaze caramelize and crisp up.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, then add the glaze for the final 5 minutes.
- Thicker Sauce: Add cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to the sauce if you prefer a thicker glaze.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Yes
- Low-Carb Option: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes (use gluten-free soy sauce)
- Dairy-Free: Yes (omit butter or use dairy-free alternative)
- Keto-Friendly Option: Yes (use sugar-free ketchup or skip)
Brief Introduction
This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken is the perfect balance of sweetness and savory, with a rich glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. Whether pan-cooked or baked, this easy recipe is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It’s packed with protein, quick to prepare, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Season & Cook the Chicken: Use salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for perfect seasoning.
- Make the Glaze: Honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of chili flakes come together in minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the glaze over the chicken and let it soak in for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish and enjoy!
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy, and flavorful. You can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs hold moisture better.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth; use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that balances out the savory soy sauce and garlic.
- Ketchup: Adds color and thickness; skip it for a lighter glaze.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken
- Add more chili flakes for extra heat or drizzle with sriracha.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
- Add lemon zest to the glaze for a fresh citrus twist.
Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the pan while cooking for a complete meal.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a lighter meal.
- Serve with a dipping sauce made from the leftover glaze.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make extra glaze and use it for other proteins like pork or tofu.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts may cook faster and can be drier. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and glaze, then refrigerate and reheat when ready to serve.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Optional Personal Story
I created this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken as an easy weeknight meal that could be made with simple ingredients I already had on hand. It quickly became a family favorite because of the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and the fact that it’s high in protein but full of flavor! It’s now a go-to dinner when we need something quick, filling, and delicious.
