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Healthy Low Calorie Honey Garlic Chicken - Easy, Flavorful, and Light

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

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1 to 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken tenders)
  • Garlic: 4–5 fresh cloves, minced
  • Honey: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (use low-sodium if preferred)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Chicken broth: 1/3 cup (low-sodium)
  • Cornstarch: 1 to 1.5 teaspoons (for light thickening)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Red pepper flakes: optional, for a light kick
  • Green onions: 2–3, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds: optional, for garnish
  • Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or cauliflower rice: optional sides

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and slice into thin, bite-size pieces. This helps it cook quickly and stay tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. In a separate cup, stir cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Set both aside.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 3–4 minutes, flip, and cook another 2–3 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Don’t overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
  4. Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken to the edges and add minced garlic to the center with a splash of oil if the pan is dry. Cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
  5. Add the sauce base: Pour in the honey-soy mixture. Stir to coat the chicken and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Thicken lightly: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the pan while stirring. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and lightly thickened. If you like it thinner, add a splash of broth. For more heat, add red pepper flakes.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if you want extra brightness. If you prefer sweeter, add 1 extra teaspoon of honey and simmer briefly.
  8. Finish and garnish: Turn off the heat. Top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
  9. Serve: Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas and a small scoop of cauliflower rice or brown rice. Spoon extra sauce over the veggies for more flavor.