Honey Garlic Chicken – Crispy, Sweet-and-Savory Chicken Thighs with Jasmine Rice

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

4 PEOPLE

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Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that combines crispy golden chicken with a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce. Featured on Everyday Excellent and hosted by Vanessa Gianfrancesco, this recipe elevates everyday chicken thighs with a perfectly balanced glaze and tender jasmine rice for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

The chicken is lightly coated in cornstarch and fried to achieve a crisp exterior, then tossed in a luscious honey-garlic-tamari sauce that clings beautifully to each piece. Topped with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions, this dish delivers both texture and visual appeal, making it a favorite for family dinners or casual entertaining. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s approachable enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests.

The Inspiration

Honey Garlic Chicken draws inspiration from classic Asian-style chicken dishes, where sweet and savory flavors are paired with a touch of garlic to create depth and complexity. Chicken thighs are preferred here for their juiciness and flavor, providing a tender interior that contrasts perfectly with a crisp, golden coating.

This recipe emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing taste. By making a quick honey-garlic sauce directly in the wok, the chicken absorbs flavor without needing long marinating times. Jasmine rice serves as a fragrant base, soaking up every bit of the sauce and making the dish a complete, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 cups (400 g) jasmine rice
4 large or 6 small chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
1 cup (128 g) plus 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch, divided
2 cups (473 ml) vegetable oil
¼ cup (60 ml) tamari
¼ cup (60 ml) rice wine vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) honey
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp (6 g) toasted sesame seeds
2 scallions, sliced thinly on a bias

Methods

Place rice in a sieve and rinse under cold water for 1 minute. Add rice to a pot with 3 cups (710 ml) water. Place over high heat uncovered and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove from heat. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Meanwhile, place 1 cup cornstarch in a large bowl. Cut each chicken thigh into 6 pieces and toss in the bowl to coat with cornstarch. Whisk together ½ cup (118 ml) water, tamari, rice wine vinegar, honey, and 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch in a small bowl.
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350 F (177 C).
Add chicken pieces to the wok and fry until crispy and golden brown on all sides, around 4 minutes. Transfer chicken to a paper towel lined tray to drain. Discard most of the oil from the wok, leaving a thin coating behind. Place the wok over high heat and add the garlic, stirring constantly until it just starts to change color, about 1 minute.
Add the sauce to the wok and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Toss the chicken in the wok to coat with sauce.
Serve over jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds and scallions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken immediately over the prepared jasmine rice, allowing the rice to absorb the rich sauce. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor, and sprinkle thinly sliced scallions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

For a complete meal, pair with lightly steamed vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas. A side of pickled cucumbers or kimchi adds a contrasting tang that balances the sweet sauce. This dish also works well in meal prep containers, keeping the chicken crisp and flavorful even when reheated carefully.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a perfect example of quick, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight cooking. The combination of crispy chicken, sticky honey-garlic glaze, and fluffy jasmine rice creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

With accessible ingredients, straightforward techniques, and a cooking time of just 25 minutes, this dish is ideal for cooks of all skill levels. It transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a memorable, restaurant-style meal without requiring complex prep or hard-to-find ingredients.

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