If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet takes hardly any time to prepare, then you’re going to love this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken cubes glazed in a sticky, savory-sweet honey garlic sauce, paired with vibrant roasted broccoli or asparagus—the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. This recipe is a true weeknight hero, delivering irresistible tastes and satisfying textures without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward and easy to find, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of delicious flavor and texture. From the golden chicken coating to the bright notes of lemon and punch of garlic, these ingredients come together so effortlessly.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; cutting into cubes ensures quick, even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic base seasoning that enhances the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Black pepper and chile flakes: A pinch of heat and depth to awaken the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken, soaking up that amazing honey garlic sauce perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used for roasting and adds a subtle fruitiness to the overall dish.
- 3 cups broccoli florets or chopped asparagus: Roasted alongside the chicken for nutritional boost and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds, for serving: Adds a nutty crunch and lovely finishing touch.
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce: The salty umami backbone of the honey garlic sauce.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce, cutting through the richness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Provides the signature sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- 6 cloves garlic, grated: Fresh, pungent, and essential for that unmistakable honey garlic flavor.
- 3-4 tablespoons chili paste (gochujang): Brings a kick of heat and complexity; feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion: Used both in the sauce and as a fresh garnish to brighten the final plate.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil: Adds a deep, aromatic finish that ties all the Asian-inspired flavors together.
How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 450° F. This high heat is key to getting that slight crispiness on the chicken and the tender roasted vegetables. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly rubbing it with oil to prevent sticking and help with even roasting.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
On the baking sheet, toss your cubed chicken with garlic powder, black pepper, and chile flakes for that foundational flavor punch. Then sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss again to ensure each piece is lightly coated. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and give it another toss, which will help the coating develop a golden, crispy texture as it bakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Arrange the chicken on one side of the baking sheet. On the other side, add the broccoli florets or chopped asparagus. Toss the veggies with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. This simple step ensures the veggies roast beautifully, caramelizing around the edges while staying tender inside.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken and Veggies
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. You want the chicken cooked through and the vegetables vibrant and just tender. This timing aligns perfectly with the oven doing the work, giving you space to prep the sauce.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken and veggies roast, combine tamari or soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, grated garlic, chili paste, chopped green onion, and toasted sesame oil in a bowl or glass jar. Whisk it well or give the jar a good shake to blend all those punchy, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements into one irresistible sauce.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce and Finish Baking
Once your chicken and vegetables are roasted, remove the veggies from the pan to avoid overcooking. Then pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken directly on the sheet pan. Toss the chicken pieces to coat each one in that luscious mixture, then return the pan to the oven for about 5 more minutes. This final bake allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly, giving the chicken that glossy, sticky finish.
How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the hot, saucy chicken with freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These small toppings add fresh bursts of flavor and a subtle crunch that elevate the dish visually and texturally. They also make it look like a restaurant-worthy plate you’ll be proud to serve.
Side Dishes
This honey garlic chicken shines when served over fluffy jasmine or brown rice, soaking up every last drop of the sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or noodles make excellent companions. You can also serve it with steamed greens or a crisp salad to keep things light and fresh alongside the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe in lettuce wraps topped with chopped peanuts and a squeeze of lime for a handheld treat. Another idea is to layer it over a bed of noodles or rice noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce for an easy stir-fry inspired presentation. The vibrant colors and glossy sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and veggies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce and chicken may thicken as they chill, but a quick reheat will restore that glossy, delicious texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Store cooled chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, freeze the chicken and vegetables separately from any rice or fresh garnishes you plan to add later.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to warm the sauce evenly. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, use a microwave for quick reheating, but cover the dish to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more tenderness and juicy flavor, which many find preferable for this dish. Just be sure to cut them into uniform cubes so they cook evenly in the oven.
Is there a vegetarian version of the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
You can swap out chicken for firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Coat and roast as directed, but watch cooking time closely as tofu may need less time to crisp up and absorb the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the chile flakes and chili paste, but you can adjust both to suit your preference. Leave out the chili paste for a mild dish or add more for an extra kick.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before pouring over the chicken to make sure everything is well combined.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken in this recipe?
Coating the chicken pieces lightly in flour and using a high oven temperature helps create a nice crust. Also, spreading the chicken out on the baking sheet so pieces don’t touch ensures they crisp rather than steam.
Final Thoughts
This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly fast to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a fuss-free but impressive meal. Try it soon and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your rotation, bringing both joy and flavor to your table with very little effort.
Print
20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
A quick and flavorful 20-minute honey garlic chicken recipe baked to perfection with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli or asparagus, and a delicious homemade honey garlic sauce with a touch of chili paste for heat. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice or as a tasty appetizer.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Black pepper and chile flakes, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour or gluten-free flour
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups broccoli florets or chopped asparagus
- Salt, to taste
Sauce
- 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 6 cloves garlic, grated
- 3–4 tablespoons chili paste (gochujang)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- Sesame seeds, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss chicken with seasoning: On the baking sheet, combine the chicken cubes with garlic powder, black pepper, and chile flakes. Add the flour and toss everything again to coat evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Arrange the chicken on one side of the baking sheet.
- Prepare vegetables: On the other side of the baking sheet, toss the broccoli florets or chopped asparagus with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly to ensure even baking.
- Bake chicken and vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender yet crisp.
- Make honey garlic sauce: While baking, combine tamari or soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, grated garlic, chili paste (gochujang), chopped green onions, and toasted sesame oil in a bowl or jar. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Add sauce to chicken and finish baking: Remove the vegetables from the sheet pan. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken on the baking sheet, tossing to coat all pieces evenly. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to bake onto the chicken.
- Serve: Remove from oven and transfer chicken and vegetables to serving plates. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve over rice or enjoy as an appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chile flakes and chili paste.
- Use gluten-free flour and tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Adding vegetables like asparagus or broccoli adds a healthy crunch and vibrant color.
- This dish can easily be doubled for meal prepping or larger gatherings.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
