These Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls are quick, easy, and delicious! Featuring chunks of tender, lightly crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and sticky garlic sauce, and then served over rice. Add your favorite fresh vegetables to make it a meal!

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into ¾” pieces
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 medium cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• Serving options: cooked rice, green onion, Thai basil, and/or sesame seeds

Directions

1. Place cubed chicken breast in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the top and toss until chicken is evenly coated with flour.
2. Add olive oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add chicken in a single layer.
3. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. When chicken is just cooked through, add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, water, and soy sauce. Add this sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the chicken.
5. Bring sauce to a boil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until bubbling and thick. If you want the sauce thicker, make a simple cornstarch slurry – whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl, then stir some or all of it into the bubbling sauce. Let it cook for a bit to thicken.
6. Serve immediately over cooked rice, garnished with green onion, Thai basil, and/or sesame seeds as desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 34g
• Protein: 30g

The Story Behind Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls

Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls have become a staple for those seeking a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in a quick and easy meal. Originating from Asian-inspired cuisine, this dish brings together the bold flavors of garlic and soy sauce with the natural sweetness of honey. It’s a go-to meal for busy weeknights, offering a nutritious and flavorful option without requiring hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. The honey garlic sauce thickens beautifully, coating each piece of chicken in a glossy, caramelized glaze. When paired with rice and fresh vegetables, it becomes a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger while delivering a comforting and familiar taste.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, the dish takes around 30 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy schedules.
• Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and honey creates a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
• Customizable: This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level, add different vegetables, or use alternative protein sources.
• Family-Friendly: The mild sweetness of honey makes it appealing to children, while the garlic and soy sauce add depth for adult palates.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Honey Garlic Chicken stores well and can be reheated easily, making it a great option for batch cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls

Pairing the right side dishes can elevate this meal even further. Here are some great accompaniments:

• Steamed Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the flavorful sauce, making every bite satisfying.
• Quinoa: For a healthier alternative, quinoa adds a nutty taste and extra protein.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots provide texture and color.
• Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw with cabbage and carrots dressed in a light sesame vinaigrette complements the dish well.
• Garlic Green Beans: A simple side dish that enhances the garlic element in the main dish.

Protein Alternatives and Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts results in a juicier and more flavorful bite.
• Shrimp: Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist. Cook shrimp quickly to avoid overcooking.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu works well when pan-fried and coated with the honey garlic sauce.
• Beef or Pork: Thinly sliced beef or pork can also be used, offering a richer and heartier variation.

How to Make It Spicier

If you enjoy a bit of heat in your meals, there are several ways to add spice to this dish:

• Red Pepper Flakes: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides mild heat.
• Sriracha: Adding a spoonful of sriracha to the sauce introduces a tangy spice.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: This ingredient enhances both the garlic and heat elements of the dish.
• Fresh Chili Peppers: Chopped fresh chili peppers, such as Thai chilies, bring an intense kick.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken

• Use Cornstarch for Crispier Chicken: Lightly dusting the chicken with cornstarch before cooking helps create a crispier texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that each piece gets evenly browned rather than steaming.
• Control the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to thicken it.
• Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes ensures it fully coats the chicken and develops a rich flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

• Rich in Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Boosts Immunity: Garlic contains compounds known to enhance the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Good Source of Antioxidants: Honey is rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body.
• Balanced Macros: This meal provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls are an ideal meal for those who want something quick, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a flavorful dish, this recipe never disappoints. With its rich, sticky sauce and tender bites of chicken, it’s a dish that can easily become a household favorite. Plus, with the ability to customize the ingredients to fit dietary preferences, it remains a flexible and adaptable meal choice.