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Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls

Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls

Delicious Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls recipe with step-by-step instructions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 1275 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 1.75 lb chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves (freshly minced for best flavor)

For the sauce

  • 2/3 cup honey (I use Nature Nate's for the best consistency)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (I prefer Kikkoman for a balanced saltiness)
  • 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger

Instructions
 

  • Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, tossing to distribute evenly. Spread the flour on a plate and coat each piece of chicken thoroughly, shaking off excess flour. This light coating will create a golden exterior and help thicken the sauce naturally. Set the coated chicken aside on a clean plate.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches if needed to avoid crowding, add the floured chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on most sides and cooked through. I find that letting each piece sit for a minute or two before stirring helps develop that beautiful color and slight crust.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add the freshly minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. The heat at this point should be gentle enough that the garlic softens and releases its aromatics without burning, which would make it bitter.
  • While the garlic cooks, whisk together the honey, water, soy sauce, and grated fresh ginger in a small bowl until well combined. Pour this mixture into the pan with the chicken and garlic, stirring well to combine. The sauce will begin to bubble gently as it heats and starts to coat the chicken pieces.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and let it bubble for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reduces and thickens enough to coat the chicken. The flour from coating the chicken will naturally help thicken the sauce, giving it a silky consistency without needing any cornstarch slurry. I like to cook it until the sauce is glossy and clings to each piece of chicken—you'll know it's ready when you can see it visibly thickening.
  • Remove the pan from heat and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning if needed. Divide the honey garlic chicken among bowls and serve over rice, with steamed vegetables on the side, or however you prefer. The sauce is perfectly balanced and ready to enjoy immediately.