4-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds? This 4-ingredient honey garlic chicken is the answer! It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or a stress-free weekend meal.
This recipe came to life during one of those moments when the fridge seemed almost empty, and creativity had to take over.
With just a few staple ingredients, I created a dish that’s now a family favorite.
Honey, garlic, soy sauce, and chicken — it’s amazing how such simple ingredients can produce such incredible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Only four simple ingredients are needed, making it budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavor is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Cuisines
Asian-inspired
Servings
4 servings
Estimated Cost
$8-$10
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil if needed to prevent sticking. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, flipping the chicken occasionally to coat it evenly in the sauce. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly or balance it with a splash of vinegar.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in.
Common Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they can dry out faster.
2. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken can be cooked and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are excellent options to complement the honey garlic chicken.
More Quick & Easy 4 ingredient chicken recipes –
- Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
- 4-Ingredient BBQ Ranch Chicken
- Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
4-Ingredient Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil if needed to prevent sticking. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, flipping the chicken occasionally to coat it evenly in the sauce. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly or balance it with a splash of vinegar.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks uniformly.
This 4-ingredient honey garlic chicken is proof that simple recipes can deliver big on flavor.
Enjoy creating this dish, and may it bring joy to your dinner table!