Speedy Honey Garlic Chicken Ready in 20

20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Weeknight Winner

By SandraSeptember 20, 2025

Need a quick 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken recipe This easy stirfry is ready in a flash Minimal ingredients maximum flavour perfect for weeknights Get the recipe now ... Quick & Easy Recipes

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction: Speedy Honey Garlic Chicken

Fancy a quick and easy dinner? Something that tastes amazing but won't take hours? Honestly, who doesn't! Our 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken! recipe is just the ticket.

It’s proper tasty and ready faster than you can say "takeaway".

This recipe is inspired by classic Asian flavours. It's super simple, using minimal ingredients for maximum flavour. The beauty of Honey Garlic Chicken comes from that gorgeous glaze.

Sweet honey meets savoury garlic, with a cheeky splash of soy sauce. This creates a sticky, moreish coating for tender chicken, better than any takeaway.

Why This Honey Garlic Chicken Rocks

It's dead easy to learn How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken . Prep is minimal, and cook time is quick. You'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in about 20 minutes! This recipe makes enough for 2-3 people.

It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

This Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe isn't just delicious. It's also a better choice for a healthy meal. Chicken is packed with protein.

Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. It also makes a satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling guilty. Serve this up any night of the week for a guaranteed win!.

It's the perfect answer to "What's for dinner?".

I reckon you'll love how simple this Simple Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is. It's a game-changer when you're short on time but craving something delicious. Let's get cooking, shall we?

Okay, let's talk about what you'll need to make this 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken! This isn't one of those recipes with a mile-long ingredients list.

We're going for easy and delicious. Right then, let's get cracking.

Ingredients & Equipment - Simple As That!

We're keeping it dead simple for this Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe . Don't panic. You probably already have most of this stuff.

Honestly, I sometimes make this when I'm staring into a nearly-empty fridge. It's a lifesaver! The key is to source high-quality ingredients, especially your chicken.

Main Ingredients - The Core Crew

Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs stay juicy, but breasts work too. Aim for organic, free-range chicken. You really can taste the difference. Trust me.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . A good quality olive oil makes all the difference. Extra virgin, of course.
Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best! Honestly, don't even bother with the jarred stuff.
Honey: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Runny honey is your best bet.
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Low sodium, unless you want a salt bomb.
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Don't skip this! It adds a necessary tang.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
Cornstarch Slurry: 1 tablespoon (12g) cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water. This is how we get that lovely, glossy Honey Garlic Glaze for Chicken .
Optional Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions. For that final flourish!

Seasoning Notes - Spice It Up!

Okay, so garlic is obviously a big player here. But the balance is key. The sweetness of honey, the saltiness of soy sauce, and the tang of rice vinegar all work together.

For a more vibrant flavour, you can add ginger as well. If you are looking at How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry , ginger and sesame oil are your best friends.

If you don't have rice vinegar, a splash of apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. Red pepper flakes add a needed touch of heat.

I sometimes add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika too.

Equipment Needed - Keep It Minimal

A large skillet or wok. Wok if you have one for this How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken , if not no biggies!
A small bowl for mixing the sauce. Nothing fancy!
Measuring cups and spoons. Obviously.
A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.

You don't need any crazy gadgets for this recipe. I've made this in a tiny student kitchen with minimal equipment.

It's all about the flavour! We can easily make some Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs quickly.

Right then, let's chat about nailing the perfect cooking method for 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken! Honestly, it’s simpler than you think, and I’m going to break it down for ya.

Forget slaving over a hot stove – this is all about speed and flavour. You'll be surprised at How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken so quick.

Speedy Honey Garlic Chicken Ready in 20 presentation

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place . It sounds fancy, but it just means getting everything ready. Chop your 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized bits.

Mince those 3 cloves garlic – don’t be shy, the garlic is the heart of this dish! Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch (12g) with 2 tablespoons (30ml) cold water to create your slurry.

Having everything ready upfront will save you a world of stress. Time-saving tip: Pre-minced garlic from the jar is totally fine.

Step-by-Step to Sticky Chicken Heaven

Alright, let's get cooking this Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe :

Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil in your trusty skillet over medium-high heat.
Sizzle the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. Watch it doesn’t burn.
Chuck in your chicken pieces and cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Pour in your magical Honey Garlic Glaze: 1/4 cup (60ml) honey , 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce , 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar , and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a kick!).
Give that cornstarch slurry a stir, then drizzle it into the pan. This makes the sauce nice and thick.
Stir constantly until the sauce turns into a lovely, glossy glaze.

That’s it! Ready to serve your Simple Honey Garlic Chicken with rice or noodles!

Pro Tips for Epic Chicken

Here's where we elevate things, yeah?

Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook your chicken in batches. If you're really looking for 20 Minute Chicken Dinner Ideas this really helps to ensure even cooking.
Burnt garlic is a crime against flavour. Don't let it happen!
For a Weeknight Honey Garlic Chicken , you can prep the sauce in advance. It will keep for a few days in the fridge.

Honestly, learning How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry it is a game changer. It's so easy to throw together and is such a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, you can easily adapt it with different veggies or spices to keep things interesting. Why not try it with Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice? And I will be glad to teach you how to create Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs another time!

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken!

Right then, you've got the recipe for this Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe . Now, let's talk about making it your own.

Little tweaks can make all the difference, yeah? Honestly, after the first time I whipped up this Simple Honey Garlic Chicken , I immediately started thinking of ways to personalize it.

Plating Like a Pro: Show off Your Honey Garlic Chicken with Rice

Presentation matters, innit? For a simple but tasty dish like this 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken! try a few tricks.

Pile that Weeknight Honey Garlic Chicken high on a bed of fluffy rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. And don't forget some finely sliced spring onions.

Fancy a bit of greenery? A few steamed bok choy leaves on the side looks mint! Think of it as your culinary "fit check".

Storage Savvy: Making the Most of Your Honey Garlic Glaze for Chicken

Got leftovers? No worries! This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs keeps well. Fridge-wise, it's good for up to three days.

Just pop it in an airtight container. Reheating? Microwave or a quick sizzle in a pan will do the trick.

Freezing? Yeah, you can, but the sauce might change texture a bit. Honestly, I've never needed to freeze it – it gets scoffed too quick!

Adapt It! Turning Your Hand to Dietary Adaptations

Alright, got dietary needs? I always have. This How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry can totally work. For gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for tamari.

Want it lower in carbs? Serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You can adjust this How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken to your liking.

Seasonal swaps are brill too. In summer, throw in some fresh bell peppers for extra flavour and colour.

The Good Stuff: Nutrition, Baby!

Let's face it, it's not kale. But this Honey Garlic Chicken gives you protein! It also has some energy-boosting carbs.

Just keep an eye on the sugar from the honey. Hey, everything in moderation, eh? Think of it as a comforting treat you can enjoy any time.

So there you have it, my friend. This 20 Minute Chicken Dinner Ideas is ready to go. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have a laugh with it.

Give it a go and don't be afraid to mess it up! Happy cooking, you legend!

Easy How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Ready in 20 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken! recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breast works just fine. Just be mindful not to overcook it, as it can become dry. Reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from drying out and consider cutting the breast into slightly larger pieces.

How do I store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken, and how long will it last?

Storing leftovers is easy peasy. Let the 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or stir-fry it in a pan until heated through. A splash of water can help revive the sauce if it's dried out.

I don't have rice vinegar. What can I substitute in the Honey Garlic Chicken?

No worries if you're out of rice vinegar! You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Start with a smaller amount, like half a tablespoon, and taste as you go. Lemon or lime juice can also work in a pinch, providing a similar tang.

My honey garlic sauce isn't thickening up. What did I do wrong?

Don't fret! The cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce. Ensure you've mixed the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the pan. If it still isn't thickening, you can mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add that to the sauce. Stir constantly over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency. Think of it like making gravy for your Sunday roast!

Is there a way to make this 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken recipe healthier?

Certainly! You can reduce the sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the sugar by using less honey or substituting with a sugar alternative like stevia or erythritol (adjust the amount to taste, as these are much sweeter than honey). Serving with brown rice and steamed vegetables instead of white rice or noodles will also add more fibre and nutrients. You could also use chicken breast instead of thighs, which is leaner, but don't let it dry out!

Can I add vegetables to the 20 minute Honey Garlic Chicken?

Bob's your uncle, you certainly can! Broccoli florets, bell peppers (any color!), snap peas, or even sliced carrots would be fantastic additions. Add them to the skillet a few minutes before you add the sauce so they have time to soften slightly but retain a bit of crunch. This adds a lovely bit of colour and texture, not to mention extra nutrients.