Honey Garlic Chicken Without Flour (Best Recipe)

Honey garlic chicken without flour is a delicious and well-loved dish, and this recipe takes it up a notch. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor.

Plus, it can be made without flour, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten or looking for a lighter meal.

The combination of honey, garlic, and chicken is undeniably fantastic. The natural sweetness of the honey balances well with the savory garlic, creating a beautiful balance of flavors.

This dish is also versatile; you can have it on its own, serve it with rice, or make it the star of your favorite salad.

This recipe gives you the freedom to use chicken thighs with or without skin, bone-in, or boneless. You can adapt it to your personal preferences. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes!

Honey garlic chicken is a healthy, delicious, and fuss-free dinner. It’s a definite winner for any weeknight meal.

Honey Garlic Chicken Without Flour

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the chicken:

• 6 Chicken Thighs (bone-in or boneless, with or without skin*)
• Salt and pepper, to season
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder, to season

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup water (or chicken broth, if desired)
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, or any white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Note: *The choice of chicken thighs (with or without skin, bone-in or boneless) is up to you and your preference.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken without Flour

Here’s how to cook it:

1. Season the chicken. Generously season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
2. Pan-fry the chicken. Heat a pan (with a little bit of oil, if needed), and pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked and golden on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the sauce. In the same pan, add the crushed garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the honey, water (or chicken broth), vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir until well combined.
4. Finish off and serve. Add the chicken thighs back into the pan, and spoon the sauce over each piece, ensuring they are well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Serve and enjoy! Serve the honey garlic chicken hot, alongside your favorite sides, or over a bed of rice. Enjoy!

Note: For the complete list of ingredients and directions, see the recipe card below

Tips for the Best Chicken

Here are a few tips to ensure your honey garlic chicken turns out amazing:

• Add a little spice. If you want some heat to balance the sweetness, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you have a smaller pan, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding the pan will prevent the chicken from getting crispy.
• Let the chicken rest. After cooking, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes them even more delicious.
• Adjust the sauce consistency. If you like your sauce thicker, let it simmer a bit longer. If you want it thinner, add a little more water or chicken broth.

Variations

• Use a different protein. You can use chicken breast, chicken wings, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Make it a complete meal. Add in some veggies like broccoli or bell peppers, and serve it over noodles for a tasty stir-fry.
• Make it sticky. For a sticky glaze, increase the amount of honey and let the sauce reduce for longer.
• Swap the sweetener. If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or even brown sugar. Adjust the quantity to your liking.
• Make it low-sodium. Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a healthier, lower sodium version.

What to serve with Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey garlic chicken is very versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few options:

• Rice, either white, brown, or fried rice
• Quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Steamed or stir-fried vegetables
• A side salad with a light vinaigrette
• Noodles for a complete stir-fry meal

Be sure to garnish your chicken with some freshly chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that extra touch!

Storage Tips

In the unlikely event that you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Transfer any leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
• Freezer: If you want to freeze your honey garlic chicken, place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Remember, for the best taste and texture, try to consume it within the recommended timeframes.