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20 Minute Light Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

This 20 Minute Light Honey Garlic Chicken recipe delivers quick and easy flavorful bite-sized chicken pieces sautéed in a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it balances savory, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors with a light and glossy sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of vinegar.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon oil (peanut or vegetable)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free option)
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sauté until they are golden brown on both sides, about 2-4 minutes per side. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together honey, chopped garlic, chicken broth (or water), rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes if using, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine and thicken: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the cooked chicken. Bring it to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking for about one minute until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly.
  4. Finish with butter: Add the tablespoon of butter to the pan and stir it into the sauce until melted, enriching the flavor and creating a glossy finish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs yield juicier results.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce.
  • If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly to taste.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American