This Honey-Garlic Chicken recipe may be light in calories, but there’s no shortage of flavor!
There’s this local Chinese takeout place near my house that serves crispy, honey-garlic chicken. It’s kind of like sesame chicken, only sweeter, if you can believe it. There’s nothing Chinese about honey-garlic chicken, except maybe the soy sauce. It’s just one of the many meals on the menu for Americans who want something sweet, salty, and fatty—I love it. This honey-garlic chicken recipe is a far cry from one of my favorite Chinese takeout meals, but that’s the point—all the flavor, minus the calories.
Like I said, I love my takeout’s crispy honey-garlic chicken, though I don’t even want to think of how much sugar they add to it. Heck, I’m not even sure how much honey is in that glorious sauce. This recipe, however, uses only one sweetener, and it’s… You guessed it—honey. Combined with the apple cider vinegar and garlic, you get a savory, tangy flavor that’s mellowed by the soy sauce—we’re talking major umami here. This dish is quick to make, healthier than takeout, and certainly budget-friendly.
Is Honey-Garlic Chicken Healthy?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is a lean cut, so no worries there. Even better, there’s no refined sugar in sight, just honey! Also, the recipe calls for low-sodium soy sauce, though coconut aminos are another great substitute if you need that sodium count as low as possible. Tamari sauce works as well, especially for my gluten-free friends who still want that soy sauce flavor.
To Pound or Not To Pound?
I wanted to keep this recipe simple, so I didn’t add this step to the instructions. However, if you have the time, I recommend pounding your chicken breast for a few reasons. Unlike fatty chicken thighs, chicken breast is less forgiving and cooks quickly—sometimes, too quickly. The problem is that when the breasts are too thick, some areas overcook while others undercook. Pounding ensures that the chicken cooks evenly.
Equally important, pounding the chicken tenderizes the meat by breaking down muscle fibers. This technique leads to a more tender and juicy chicken breast. Additionally, pounding allows sauces and marinades to penetrate more evenly, enhancing the overall flavor. Give it a try!
How to make ahead and store
Honey-garlic chicken can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, and add a splash of chicken broth for extra moisture and if the sauce seems too thick.
Serving Suggestions
Honey-garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Although this dish isn’t a traditional Chinese recipe, I’d still say you can’t go wrong with adding a couple of wontons and egg rolls to your plate—nothing wrong with a little fusion!
Serve the chicken over steamed brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or try it with our roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a heartier meal. And if you’re watching your carbs, these Healthy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes taste just as yummy!
For a lighter side, pair it with sautéed broccoli or zucchini. To tie the meal together, drizzle the honey-garlic sauce over your sides as well.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and continue to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat the chicken.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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