Garlic Chicken
Tender bites of chicken breast seared until golden, then coated in a glossy, savory-sweet garlic sauce. This quick stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes and fills the kitchen with the irresistible aroma of caramelized garlic. Serve it over steamed rice for a weeknight dinner that feels like takeout.
For 4 servings
- prep
Season the chicken and make the sauce.
1.Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. Toss with salt and black pepper.2.In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until the honey dissolves.3.In a separate small bowl, stir cornstarch into 3 tbsp water to make a slurry. Set all aside.TIPPatting chicken dry helps it sear instead of steam in the pan. - fry · ~5 min
Sear the chicken until golden.
1.Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.2.Add chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden on the bottom.3.Flip and cook another 2 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — cook in two batches if needed so the chicken sears properly. - saute · ~1 min
Cook the garlic and white parts of green onion.
1.Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sliced white parts of green onion to the same pan.2.Sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.TIPGarlic burns quickly — keep it moving and have the sauce ready to pour. - simmer · ~2 min
Bring the sauce together.
1.Pour the soy sauce mixture into the pan. Let it bubble for 30 seconds.2.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir, then pour it into the pan while stirring continuously.3.Simmer for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and turns glossy. - mix · ~1 min
Toss the chicken in the garlic sauce.
1.Return the seared chicken to the pan along with any juices on the plate.2.Toss well for 1 minute until every piece is coated in the sticky garlic sauce. - garnish
Garnish with green onion tops and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Transfer to a serving dish, scatter with the reserved green onion greens and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the chicken very dry so it browns well rather than steaming.
- 2Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- 3Have all sauce ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking.
- 4Cook garlic just until fragrant — overbrowning makes it bitter.
- 5Stir the cornstarch slurry again right before adding it to prevent clumps.
- 6For the best texture, don't skip returning the chicken juices to the pan.
- 7Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch right before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy garlic chicken
Add 1-2 tsp sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for heat lovers.
low sodiumLow-sodium
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce or omit the added salt to control sodium.
extra veggieExtra-veggie
Toss in broccoli florets or bell pepper strips after cooking the garlic for added color and nutrition.
non dairy/gluten freeNon-dairy/gluten-free
Substitute tamari for soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free; the recipe is already dairy-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
Garlic's Natural Support
Garlic is rich in allicin compounds, traditionally associated with immune and heart health.
Low in Added Sugar
The honey in this dish adds only a modest amount of natural sweetness, keeping total sugar moderate.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — boneless, skinless thighs work well. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a minute longer to cook through.



