One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken (20 Minutes!): Sweet, Savory, and Simply Irresistible
If you’re craving something that hits every note — sweet, savory, garlicky, and just a touch sticky — this One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken is about to become your go-to weeknight favorite. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect mix of fast and flavorful.
Golden-seared chicken coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite — this recipe turns a handful of pantry staples into pure magic. And since it’s all cooked in one pan, cleanup is practically nonexistent.
Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor with zero fuss.
Why You’ll Love It
- One Pan = Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks in the same skillet.
- Ready in 20 Minutes: Perfect for weeknights or busy schedules.
- Pantry Staples Only: No hard-to-find ingredients.
- Sweet, Sticky, and Savory: The honey garlic glaze is irresistible.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour it.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds and chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. - Sear Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside. - Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine and Glaze
Return chicken to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and sticky. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and parsley. Serve hot over rice or noodles with extra sauce drizzled on top.
One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken (20 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken in olive oil 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the pan and cook 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar; simmer 1–2 minutes.
- Return chicken and toss in sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes until glazed.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and parsley before serving.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender, but breasts work well too.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Keep the heat moderate when sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Thicken the Sauce: Simmer longer or add ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water if you prefer a thicker glaze.
- Balance the Sweetness: Add extra vinegar or lemon juice if your honey is very sweet.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a one-pan meal.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook for just 3–4 minutes.
- Crispy Oven Version: Bake chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes, then toss in sauce.
- Asian-Inspired Bowl: Serve over jasmine rice with steamed edamame and pickled carrots.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Pair with stir-fried veggies, steamed broccoli, or garlic green beans for balance.
- For a low-carb version, try it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
This dish is a natural fit for weeknights but impressive enough for dinner guests — all with just one pan and a handful of ingredients.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
Nutrition Highlights
Per Serving (1/4 recipe):
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 420mg
This one-pan wonder strikes the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition — protein-rich, low in prep time, and free of added preservatives.
The Secret Behind the Sauce
Honey and garlic are a culinary power duo. When heated together, honey caramelizes into a glossy glaze while garlic infuses depth and aroma. The soy sauce and vinegar balance the sweetness with saltiness and tang, creating that perfect sticky-sweet umami coating.
The result? Chicken that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with bold flavor in every bite.
Quick Story: The Weeknight Savior
You know those nights when you’re starving, but the idea of cooking feels exhausting? This recipe was made for those moments. It came from a busy mom’s need to get dinner on the table fast — without resorting to takeout.
Five pantry ingredients, one pan, and twenty minutes later, dinner’s done. It’s a recipe that proves delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated.
Make It a Meal
Turn your honey garlic chicken into a complete meal:
- Starter: Asian cucumber salad or miso soup
- Main: Honey Garlic Chicken with jasmine rice
- Dessert: Coconut pudding or mango sorbet
The sticky, garlicky sauce even doubles as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings!
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Honey Garlic Chicken delivers unbeatable flavor in record time. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create something extraordinary — tender chicken, a golden glaze, and a burst of sweet-savory perfection.
Keep this recipe bookmarked for those nights when you want fast, comforting food without the chaos.
One pan. 20 minutes. Endless flavor.
