These honey garlic chicken bowls feature tender, lightly crisped chicken coated in a glossy sweet-savory sauce and served over fluffy rice with your favorite vegetables. It’s a quick, customizable meal perfect for busy weeknights yet delicious enough for a special dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bowls deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The chicken cooks quickly, the sauce uses simple pantry staples, and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy creates a beautifully sticky glaze that clings to every piece of chicken. Plus, you can customize the base and toppings to suit your taste—rice, quinoa, steamed veggies, fresh cucumbers, herbs, or sesame seeds all work wonderfully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch pieces
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 medium cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is just cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, water, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbling and thickened.
Serve immediately over rice with your preferred toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 12–15 minutes Total time: 22–25 minutes
Variations
– Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a richer flavor.
– Add heat with red pepper flakes or replace regular honey with hot honey.
– Add steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, or green beans.
– Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
– For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store rice separately. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or leftover sauce to maintain moisture.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken pieces crispy?
Ensure the chicken is coated evenly in flour and cook it in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and flouring.
What vegetables pair best with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, cucumbers, carrots, green beans, and edamame are great options.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—double the honey, water, and soy sauce if you prefer extra glaze or plan to add vegetables.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, it reheats well and works great for meal prep.
Can I substitute soy sauce?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos for a similar flavor.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice provides great texture, but any cooked rice works.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or use hot honey.
Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes—coat the chicken in flour, spray lightly with oil, and air-fry at 400°F until cooked through, then toss with the sauce.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic only after the chicken is cooked through and sauté it briefly, just until fragrant.
Conclusion
These honey garlic chicken bowls are a fast, flavorful, and versatile meal that fits into any busy schedule. With tender chicken, a sticky sweet-savory sauce, and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite at your table. Enjoy them fresh, pack them for lunch, or pair them with your preferred grains and veggies for a satisfying dish every time.
These honey garlic chicken bowls feature tender, lightly crisped chicken coated in a sweet-savory garlic sauce, served over rice with customizable toppings. A quick, flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch pieces
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 medium cloves garlic, minced
½ cup honey
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Cooked rice, for serving
Green onion, for garnish (optional)
Thai basil, for garnish (optional)
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer.
Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is just cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, water, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until bubbling and thickened.
Serve immediately over rice with your preferred toppings.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Add red pepper flakes or hot honey for heat.
Great with steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
Double the sauce if adding extra ingredients or for more glaze.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
