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Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep - Simple, Flavorful, Make-Ahead Lunch

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, divided (for light coating and sauce)
  • Oil: 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • Garlic: 5 cloves, minced (or 1 1/2 tablespoons pre-minced)
  • Honey: 1/3 cup
  • Soy sauce: 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (optional but great for flavor)
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4–1/2 teaspoon, to taste
  • Water: 1/3 cup
  • Green onions: 2–3, sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon for finishing (optional)
  • Rice for serving: 3–4 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
  • Veggies: 4 cups steamed broccoli, green beans, or mixed stir-fry vegetables

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Make a batch of rice according to package directions. Steam or sauté your vegetables until just tender. Set aside to cool while you cook the chicken.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Toss with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to lightly coat.
  3. Sear in batches: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil, then half the chicken. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
  4. Sauté the garlic: Lower heat to medium. If the pan is dry, add a splash of oil. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring so it doesn’t burn.
  5. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, water, and the remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth.
  6. Glaze the chicken: Return all chicken and any juices to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken in a glossy glaze.
  7. Finish: Taste and adjust. Add a touch more honey for sweetness or vinegar for brightness. Turn off heat. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
  8. Assemble meal prep: Divide rice among 4–5 containers. Add vegetables. Spoon honey garlic chicken over the top. Let everything cool uncovered for 10–15 minutes before sealing.