This Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl features tender, lightly crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and sticky garlic sauce, all served over a bed of rice and accompanied by fresh vegetables. It combines convenience and flavour for any weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Family-Friendly: The mild sweetness of honey paired with garlic appeals to both adults and children.
Customizable: Serve over white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, and add your preferred vegetables.
Pantry Staples: Utilizes common ingredients, minimizing extra grocery trips.

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
Sliced green onion, Thai basil, and sesame seeds, for garnish

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Recipe Card

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
Sliced green onion, Thai basil, and sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions

Place the cubed chicken breast in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for one minute, until fragrant.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, water, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and thickened.
Serve the chicken over rice and garnish with green onion, Thai basil, and sesame seeds.

directions

Begin by seasoning and flouring the chicken pieces, then sauté them until just cooked through. Add fresh garlic to the skillet and cook briefly to release its flavour. Whisk together honey, water, and soy sauce, then pour over the chicken and simmer until the sauce becomes glossy and thick. Serve immediately over rice with garnishes of your choice for a restaurant-quality bowl at home.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings and requires a total of 25 minutes to prepare:

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes

Variations

Chicken Thighs: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavour and juicier texture.
Spicy Kick: Stir in ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Vegetable Stir-In: Add steamed broccoli, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the final simmer.
Extra Thick Sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry, then stir into the bubbling sauce until it reaches the desired consistency.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping the chicken separate from the rice. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or reserved sauce to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

What can I use instead of chicken breast?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier result; cook for the same duration.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic offers the best flavour, you may use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use tamari in place of soy sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes. Combine the honey, water, and soy sauce up to 24 hours ahead and store in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

You may freeze the cooked chicken (without rice) for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I thicken the sauce if it remains too runny?

Incorporate a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until the sauce thickens.

What side dishes pair well with this bowl?

Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement the flavours nicely.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

Reduce the honey to one-third cup for a less sweet sauce, or increase to two-thirds cup for more sweetness.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes. Double all ingredients and either use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

What other grains can I serve with this chicken?

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles make excellent alternatives to traditional rice.

Conclusion

The Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl delivers bold, comforting flavours with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining. Its versatility allows for endless customization, ensuring it will become a favourite in any household. Enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal that rivals take-out.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl