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Healthy High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken - Simple, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts for leaner, thighs for juicier; cut into bite-size pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (up to 4 if you prefer sweeter)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry, for thickening)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Serve with: steamed broccoli, snap peas, cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cutting into similar-sized pieces helps it cook evenly.
  2. Whisk the sauce. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt now.
  3. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and almost cooked through. Remove to a plate.
  4. Sauté aromatics. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so they don’t burn.
  5. Build the sauce. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Thicken it. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer another 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thick.
  7. Combine. Return the chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Toss to coat and cook 2–3 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce clings.
  8. Finish and serve. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice or veggies. Add extra red pepper flakes if you like heat.