5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken

Five-ingredient honey garlic chicken is built around one simple idea: cook small pieces of chicken until they brown, then coat them in a quick sweet-savory sauce. The sauce is added near the end so the honey can reduce around the chicken without spending too long over direct heat.

Cut the chicken into similar-size pieces

Evenly sized pieces cook at roughly the same rate. If some pieces are very small and others are thick, the small ones can dry out before the larger pieces are done. Pat the surface dry before cooking so the chicken browns instead of steaming.

Give the skillet enough space

Chicken releases moisture when it hits the pan. If the skillet is crowded, that moisture gets trapped and the pieces tend to steam. Cook in batches when necessary, especially if you are using a smaller pan.

5-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken

A simple chicken skillet with a glossy honey-garlic soy sauce made from five main ingredients.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 600 g boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into evenly sized pieces.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
3. Lower the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
4. Add the honey and soy sauce. Stir and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce lightly thickens and coats the chicken.
5. Remove from the heat and serve with rice, vegetables, or another side of your choice.

Add the honey mixture after browning

Honey can darken quickly. Browning the chicken first gives you better control, then the honey and soy sauce can reduce into a glaze once the chicken is nearly finished. Keep stirring once the sauce is in the skillet so the garlic and sugars do not sit in one hot spot.

How thick should the sauce become?

The glaze should cling to the chicken and look glossy rather than watery. If it still runs freely across the pan, give it a little more time over moderate heat. If it becomes too thick, a small splash of water can loosen it.

What counts as five ingredients?

The five main ingredients are chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cooking oil. Water, salt, and pepper are treated as basic kitchen staples if you choose to use them.

Good sides for a sweet-savory glaze

Rice works well because it absorbs extra sauce, while broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad add contrast. Chili flakes can add heat without changing the core recipe.

Reheating without drying out the chicken

Reheat gently rather than over very high heat. In a skillet, a small splash of water can help loosen the glaze as the chicken warms. Heat leftovers until hot throughout and avoid repeatedly reheating the same portion.

More quick chicken dinners

Compare all five short-list meals in our 5-ingredient dinner recipes roundup.

If you like short ingredient lists, try our 5-ingredient chicken pasta. For a leftover option, see leftover chicken quesadillas, or browse more quick and easy recipes.