Sticky, sweet and savory honey garlic chicken made in one pan in just 30 minutes. An easy dinner recipe with simple ingredients, naturally gluten free and paleo friendly.
If you’re craving a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor, this honey garlic chicken is about to become a new favorite! The sauce is perfectly balanced, sweet, savory, and just sticky enough to coat every bite of tender chicken.
This has quickly become a family favorite, which I’m so happy about since it couldn’t be easier! Ready in one skillet in just 30 minutes, this recipe is simple enough for weeknights but tastes like something you’d order for takeout.
I’ve been serving it with white rice, cauliflower rice, and sauteed garlicky green beans, on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
This recipe keeps things simple while delivering big flavor.
- Quick and easy – ready in about 30 minutes
- One pan recipe – minimal cleanup
- Sticky, glossy sauce – just like takeout
- Simple ingredients – nothing complicated
- Flexible – serve with rice, veggies, or keep it low carb
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper
- Avocado oil or olive oil
For the honey garlic sauce:
- Honey
- Coconut aminos (or soy sauce, if not paleo)
- Tomato paste
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Sesame oil
- ginger
To thicken:
- Arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch)
- Water
Optional garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Sear the chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add garlic (and ginger if using). Cook for about 30 seconds, then stir in the honey, coconut aminos, tomato paste, vinegar, and sesame oil.
3. Let the sauce reduce
Simmer the sauce to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
4. Thicken the sauce
Stir the arrowroot and water together, then add it to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer until thick and glossy.
5. Coat the chicken
Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece. Simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce is sticky.
Tips for the Best Sticky Sauce
Getting that glossy, sticky finish is all about technique.
- Don’t skip the reduction step – this prevents a watery sauce
- Add the slurry gradually to control thickness
- Spoon sauce over the chicken while it finishes cooking
- Use chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture
Can I Add Vegetables?
Yes! You can turn this into a one pan meal by adding quick-cooking vegetables.
Try:
- broccoli
- green beans
- snap peas
Add them to the skillet after the sauce thickens and cook just until tender.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
This chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- White rice or jasmine rice
- Cauliflower rice for a lower carb option
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but be careful not to overcook it. Chicken thighs stay juicier and work best with the sticky sauce.
Is this honey garlic chicken healthy?
It’s made with simple ingredients and no processed sauces. You can keep it lighter by serving it with vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Can I make this paleo?
Yes! As written, this recipe is paleo friendly, using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce thickens even more as it sits, making leftovers especially flavorful.
This honey garlic chicken is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, with a perfectly sticky sauce that makes every bite irresistible!
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just want something simple and satisfying, this one pan chicken dinner is always a good idea!
If you love this recipe, you’ll also love:
Lemon Garlic Chicken and Asparagus
One Pan Sweet and Sour Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken (Easy 30 Minute One Pan Recipe)
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil avocado oil or
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce, if not paleo
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger grated or minced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
Slurry (to thicken sauce):
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot or tapioca flour
- 1 tablespoon water
Garnish (optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
-
Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove to a plate and set aside.
-
While the chicken cooks, in a small bowl whisk together the honey, aminos, tomato paste, vinegar and sesame oil.
-
Lower the heat to med-low and add the garlic and ginger. Sauté 30 seconds, then stir in the honey mixture and whisk well, until smooth.
-
Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. While it simmers, whisk together the arrowroot or tapioca with the water, then add 3/4 of it to the sauce and stir. Simmer for 30–60 seconds until glossy and thickened, only adding the remaining slurry if you want the sauce thicker.
-
Return the chicken to skillet, and cook 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken continuously. Remove from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. I love serving this chicken with sautéed broccoli, green beans (our favorite!) or asparagus, over cauliflower rice or white rice. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Leave a Comment