Name: Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 large cloves minced garlic; 1/4 cup chicken stock; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp garlic chili crisp (optional, like Momofuku); 1/3 cup honey; 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley; 2 tsp red pepper flakes; Rice; Steamed broccoli

There's something so comforting about chicken coated in a luscious, shiny sauce that clings to every bite. This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe brings that perfect balance of sweet, garlicky, and a little kick of spice—making it one of those dishes you’ll want to make on repeat. Trust me, once you try this, your take-out cravings might just disappear.

A white plate holds a meal with three layers: the bottom layer is white steamed rice with soft, grainy texture; on top are several pieces of glazed chicken coated with a shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce sprinkled with green chopped herbs and tiny red chili flakes; on one side of the plate, bright green and fresh broccoli florets add a crunchy texture and vibrant contrast. The plate is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't tell you how many times this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe has saved my weeknight dinners. It’s quick, fuss-free, and hits all the right flavor notes without needing fancy ingredients or complicated steps.

Simple ingredients: You probably have most of them on hand already, which means no last-minute grocery runs.
Perfectly sticky sauce: The honey and garlic meld into a glossy coat that’s both sweet and slightly spicy.
Versatile and customizable: Adjust the heat, add your favorite veggies, or swap chicken pieces without losing anything in flavor.
Great for leftovers: This dish actually tastes amazing reheated, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several golden brown glazed chicken pieces covered in a shiny, sticky sauce that has visible red chili flakes and small green parsley bits scattered on top. There is a spoon drizzling more glossy sauce over the chicken, with a small bright green broccoli floret placed to the side of the bowl. The entire dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe lies in how simple ingredients come together to create a harmonious flavor. Each ingredient plays a vital role to ensure the sauce is sticky yet balanced, and the chicken stays tender and juicy.

Flat lay of raw chicken tenders, a small mound of coarse salt, a small heap of black peppercorns, a small white bowl of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a small slab of unsalted butter, four large garlic cloves, a small white bowl of clear chicken stock, a small white bowl of pale rice vinegar, a small white bowl of dark light soy sauce, a small white bowl with amber honey, a small white bowl of vibrant red pepper flakes, and a small bunch of finely chopped fresh green parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: These cook quickly and stay tender — perfect for soaking in the sauce without drying out.
Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning that amplifies the other flavors without overwhelming.
Cornstarch: Helps give the chicken a light crispy coating and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Olive oil & unsalted butter: The combo adds depth and richness to the cooking process—don’t skip the butter!
Garlic: Fresh and fragrant, it’s the star of the sauce’s flavor profile.
Chicken stock: Adds savory depth to balance the honey’s sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to stop the dish from tasting too heavy.
Light soy sauce: Salty undertones with umami to round out the sauce.
Honey: The sticky sweet finish that keeps you coming back for more.
Garlic chili crisp (optional): Adds a pleasant heat and crunchy texture if you want to spice things up.
Fresh parsley: A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceousness on top.
Red pepper flakes: Customize the spice level to your liking; I like just a hint to warm things up.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I usually stick to the classic, but don't hesitate to add your spin to mix things up.

Variation: Some days, I swap chicken tenders for thighs just to get that extra juiciness and richer flavor—plus, dark meat holds up great in the sticky sauce.
Spice level: I love adding extra chili flakes or garlic chili crisp when I want a stronger kick, but you can dial it down if you prefer mild.
Add veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers right before serving for color and crunch.
Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch ensures the recipe remains gluten friendly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the sauce

I like to start by mixing the chicken stock, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and optionally the garlic chili crisp in a bowl. Sometimes the honey is stubborn, so I zap it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to help it melt and blend smoothly. Having this ready upfront makes the cooking flow so much easier.

Step 2: Season and coat the chicken

Pat your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper. Toss them gently in cornstarch, making sure each piece is coated lightly but evenly. This step is key for getting that slightly crisp exterior that holds the sauce so well.

Step 3: Brown the chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I find cooking the chicken in batches makes a big difference—crowding causes steaming, not browning. Cook each side about 1-2 minutes until golden but not fully cooked through, then transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the sauce and simmer

Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—just about a minute. Pour the prepared sauce into the pan and stir to combine with the butter and garlic. Nestle the chicken pieces back into the sauce, making sure each piece is covered.

Turn the heat to low and let it simmer gently for around 10 minutes. You want the sauce to reduce and thicken to that glorious sticky glaze that clings to your chicken. Keep an eye so it doesn’t burn—stir occasionally.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Finish by sprinkling red pepper flakes and fresh parsley over the top. Serve this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken hot over fluffy rice with your favorite steamed veggies—broccoli is my go-to because its mild bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.

Top Tip

After making Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe countless times, these tips have really helped me nail perfect results every time without stress.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking chicken in batches ensures a crisp exterior rather than soggy and steamed pieces.
Warm sauce ingredients: Heating the honey slightly before mixing prevents clumps and helps the sauce come together beautifully.
Low and slow simmer: Let the sauce thicken gently over low heat so it gets sticky without burning or drying out.
Let it rest: Tent cooked chicken while you finish the sauce to keep it juicy and warm for plating.

How to Serve Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of just fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that pop of color and gentle heat. Sometimes I toss on sesame seeds for a little crunch and nutty flavor, too—totally optional but oh so good!

Side Dishes

The classic pairing here is steamed rice and broccoli—super easy, and the broccoli’s natural bitterness rounds out the sweet sauce nicely. Alternatively, a simple cucumber salad or roasted green beans make great sides if you want to switch it up.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I like serving this chicken on a platter over a bed of jasmine rice, garnished with microgreens and extra parsley. A drizzle of chili crisp on top can add a beautiful contrast in texture and color that guests always notice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store it with some of the sauce to keep the chicken moist; just reheat gently to avoid drying it out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken successfully by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

For leftovers, I reheat sticky honey garlic chicken gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, turning the pieces often and adding a tablespoon of water if the sauce thickens too much. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! You can use boneless chicken breasts, but I recommend slicing them into strips so they cook evenly and soak up the sauce just as well.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

In a pinch, you can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but use slightly less as those vinegars have a stronger flavor. The acidity helps balance the sweetness of the honey.

How do I make this dish less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and the garlic chili crisp. You can still enjoy all the sweet and garlicky flavor without the heat.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The sauce can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day or two. Just bring it to room temperature or warm slightly before adding it to the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels a little fancy without making you work hard. I love seeing how quickly it disappears at the dinner table, and I know you’ll enjoy that same kind of warm, satisfying goodness. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite dinner.