Last Updated on April 12, 2026 by Janell

This honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a full meal that tastes like takeout but uses simple pantry staples. By combining crispy chicken pieces with a sticky, savory honey garlic sauce, you create a family favorite that even the pickiest eaters will love.

Whether you are looking for healthy dinner recipes or just new chicken thigh or chicken breast recipes to add to your rotation, this dish delivers on flavor and nutrition. The combination of fresh broccoli and lean protein makes it one of those chicken dishes recipes you’ll add to your dinner menu rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

• Simple Ingredients: Most of these sauce ingredients—like soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey—are likely already in your kitchen.
• Versatile: While this recipe uses a skillet, you can easily adapt the flavor profile for a slow cooker chicken breast recipe or an instant pot meal.
• Quick Prep: These chicken bites recipes are designed to go from the grocery store bag to the table in just 35 minutes.

Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp sesame oil (or avocado oil / olive oil)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2-3 cups broccoli florets
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• Green onions for serving

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp orange juice (or rice vinegar for more tang)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (black and white)
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

​Recipe Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce and Broccoli

In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, orange juice, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and sesame seeds. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add two tablespoons of water, but the current whisked sauce recipe is perfectly thick and glossy. Set this aside.

Steam your broccoli florets using a steamer basket for 10-12 minutes. If you don’t have one, simmer them in a pot with a little water for 7-10 minutes until tender.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil over medium-high heat. In a separate bowl, toss your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until well-coated. Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Simmer and Thicken

Pour half of your honey garlic sauce over the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes. Add the remaining sauce and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. The sauce will bubble and caramelize, coating the crispy chicken pieces beautifully.

4. Combine and Serve

Turn off the heat and gently stir in the steamed broccoli. Squeeze half a lemon over the dish to brighten the flavors. Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Serving Suggestions

This honey chicken recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up all that extra sauce. If you want to try something different next time, this same sauce works wonders on chicken wings, short ribs, or even as a glaze for salmon.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Crispy Texture: Don’t crowd the pan when browning the chicken; cooking in batches ensures that “golden brown” finish rather than steaming the meat.
• Butter Swap: For a richer flavor, you can finish the sauce with a pat of unsalted butter right before turning off the heat.
• Storage: This is a great meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.