Sweetened with the natural goodness of honey and infused with aromatic garlic, this incredibly easy gluten-free honey garlic chicken recipe is a guaranteed hit. It’s a truly delicious chicken dinner that comes together in a flash, making it an absolute lifesaver for those hectic weeknights. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a satisfying, wholesome meal that the whole family will adore. The best part? It’s completely dairy-free too, ensuring everyone can enjoy this fantastic dish without any worries.

Let’s Enjoy Flavorful Chicken Tonight – Ready in Under 40 Minutes!

If you’re constantly on the hunt for a quick dinner idea that doesn’t compromise on taste, and your family loves chicken as much as mine does, then this honey garlic chicken recipe is about to become your new kitchen superhero! Forget bland meals or expensive takeout; this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your table.

It’s unbelievably simple to prepare, yet each bite is bursting with an exquisite balance of sweet and savory notes. This incredibly flavorful chicken recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that’s sure to be a family favorite. So, be prepared for constant requests to make it over and over again!

Furthermore, this thoughtfully crafted version is entirely gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for individuals managing Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. You can indulge in all the rich flavors without any concerns, ensuring a delightful and inclusive dining experience for everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe:

There are countless reasons why this Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken will quickly earn a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation. From its incredible taste to its effortless preparation, it truly ticks all the boxes for a perfect homemade meal.

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to embark on a scavenger hunt for exotic items. The main ingredients required for making this sweet and savory gluten-free honey garlic chicken are readily available at any local grocery store. We’re talking about everyday pantry staples and fresh components – nothing fancy required! This means less stress during your grocery run and more time enjoying your meal.
• Incredibly Easy to Make (One-Pan Wonder!): The simplicity of this recipe is truly remarkable. All you need to do is coat your chicken in a seasoned cornstarch mixture, pan-fry it until it achieves a beautiful golden crust, and then prepare the irresistible honey garlic sauce directly in the same pan. Once the sauce is simmering, you’ll toss the crispy chicken in it to coat every piece with sticky, flavorful goodness. This entire process is incredibly streamlined, made in just one pan, and ready to serve in under 40 minutes! How much easier does a delicious, homemade dinner get? It’s perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
• Completely Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: One of the most significant advantages of this Asian-inspired chicken dinner recipe is its dietary friendliness. It’s 100% gluten-free and dairy-free. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or lactose intolerances can enjoy this incredibly flavorful dish without any adverse reactions or discomfort. You get all the authentic taste and texture you crave, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing it fits your dietary needs.

Essential Ingredients for Your Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken:

Crafting this delightful honey garlic chicken requires a handful of basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local market. Here’s a visual overview of the key components you’ll need to bring this incredibly flavorful recipe to life.

(For a precise list of exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the detailed and printable recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Expert Substitutions for Best Results:

These detailed notes and substitution tips are designed to help you achieve the best possible results with your honey garlic chicken, offering flexibility and guidance for various dietary needs or ingredient availability.

• Chicken: For this recipe, I primarily use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully. However, if you prefer a richer, more succulent texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Whichever cut you choose, it’s crucial to slice the chicken into evenly-thin fillets. This ensures that each piece cooks uniformly and thoroughly, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Cornstarch: This ingredient is not just for coating; it’s a secret weapon for texture! Coating the chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying serves two important purposes: it helps create a wonderfully light, crispy crust on the exterior, and perhaps even more importantly, it locks in the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring every bite is moist and tender inside. Do not skip this step for the best texture!
• Seasonings: My preferred blend for coating the chicken includes simple ground black pepper and garlic powder. This combination provides a foundational savory layer. For those who enjoy an even more complex flavor profile, feel free to add a touch of onion powder alongside these seasonings. A pinch of paprika can also add a subtle warmth and color.
• Oil for Frying: I typically use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for pan-frying, as it imparts a lovely flavor. However, you have plenty of flexibility here. Any neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or even avocado oil, will work perfectly well. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best frying results.
• Butter: To maintain the dairy-free integrity of this recipe, I opt for dairy-free butter, which provides a rich flavor without lactose. If dairy is not a concern for you, regular unsalted butter can be used. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid butter entirely, an additional tablespoon of your chosen vegetable oil can substitute it in the sauce preparation.
• Garlic for Sauce: As the name suggests, garlic is a pivotal ingredient in honey garlic chicken! I use approximately 1 tablespoon of finely minced fresh garlic to ensure a pronounced, robust garlic flavor that shines through the sauce. Feel free to adjust this amount to your personal preference; you can increase it for a more intense garlic kick or slightly reduce it if you prefer a milder taste. Always use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
• Broth: While homemade chicken broth will always yield the deepest flavor, for the sake of convenience and speed, store-bought chicken broth or chicken stock is a perfectly acceptable and widely used alternative. Ensure it’s low-sodium if you’re mindful of salt intake, and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Honey: Honey is undeniably a cornerstone of this recipe, providing its signature sweetness and a delightful sticky glaze. It’s essential for the authentic flavor profile. If, however, you prefer alternatives or have specific dietary restrictions, pure maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a sweetener substitute, though they will slightly alter the final flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of apple cider vinegar is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the honey, adding a bright, pleasant tanginess to the sauce that prevents it from being overly cloying. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar makes an excellent substitute, offering a similar acidic balance.
• Soy Sauce: To keep this recipe strictly gluten-free, I specifically use gluten-free soy sauce, also known as tamari. Tamari offers the same umami-rich flavor as traditional soy sauce but without the wheat. If you or your guests are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use regular soy sauce instead. Coconut aminos are another great gluten-free, soy-free alternative for a similar savory depth.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover honey garlic chicken can be conveniently stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying delicious lunches throughout the week. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat it in the microwave until thoroughly hot, or gently warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

How to Make Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Chicken (Step-by-Step Guide):

Follow these simple steps to create a truly irresistible honey garlic chicken dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor.

Phase 1: Coat and Perfectly Pan-Fry the Chicken

Step 1: Coat Chicken in Cornstarch Mixture. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Take each chicken cutlet and coat it evenly on both sides with this seasoning mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess coating; a light, even layer is what you’re aiming for. This crucial step helps create a delicious, light crust and ensures the chicken remains wonderfully juicy inside during cooking.

Step 2: Pan-Fry Chicken Fillets. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the coated chicken fillets into the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on the exterior and cooked through. Once perfectly seared, transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Phase 2: Prepare the Irresistible Honey Garlic Sauce

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatic Garlic. Without cleaning the pan (those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to low and add the butter (or dairy-free butter alternative). Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, add the finely minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and turns a light golden color. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.

Step 4: Stir in Remaining Ingredients & Simmer. To the pan with the sautéed garlic, add the apple cider vinegar, honey, gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), and chicken broth. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these flavorful bits are packed with umami and will significantly enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly thickened to a beautiful, glossy consistency.

Phase 3: Combine and Serve Your Masterpiece

Step 5: Add Chicken to Sauce. Gently return all the cooked chicken fillets to the skillet, nestling them into the rich honey garlic sauce. Use a spoon to generously coat each piece of chicken with the luscious sauce, ensuring every surface is covered. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to cook for another 5 minutes over low heat. This final simmering step allows the chicken to fully absorb the incredible flavors of the sauce, and it gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly more, creating that desirable sticky glaze.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve. Your exquisite gluten-free honey garlic chicken is now ready! For an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal, garnish generously with sesame seeds, freshly chopped green onions (scallions), or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Serve this mouthwatering dish piping hot, ideally alongside fluffy steamed white rice, brown rice, or a medley of your favorite steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete and wholesome meal. Enjoy!

Dish by Dish Pro Tips for Your Honey Garlic Chicken:

Enhance your culinary experience with these additional tips and serving suggestions for your homemade honey garlic chicken.

• Customize Your Protein: While chicken is traditional, this versatile honey garlic sauce pairs wonderfully with other proteins. Feel free to swap out the chicken for thin slices of pork tenderloin, firm tofu, or even delicate fish fillets like cod or salmon for a delightful twist. Adjust cooking times as needed for different proteins.
• Perfect Accompaniments: The sticky, sweet-savory sauce of this chicken is a match made in heaven for fluffy white rice, which perfectly soaks up all the delicious juices. For a healthier or low-carb option, consider serving it with fragrant cauliflower rice or even a vibrant quinoa salad. Don’t forget a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried bell peppers to complete the meal with a boost of fresh vegetables.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Cook a larger batch, portion it out with your chosen side (rice, quinoa, veggies), and store it in airtight containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout your busy week.

Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore:

If you loved this honey garlic chicken, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of our delicious gluten-free chicken creations perfect for any occasion:

• Sweet and Sour Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Orange Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Honey Sesame Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Kung Pao Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Creamy Butter Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)

More Gluten-Free Asian Recipes to Indulge In:

Expand your culinary horizons with these other fantastic gluten-free Asian-inspired dishes:

P.S. If you try this irresistible gluten-free honey garlic chicken recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. Your feedback is always greatly appreciated and helps other home cooks discover delicious meals. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the other fantastic recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Don’t miss out on new culinary inspirations – sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week!

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Easy Honey Garlic Chicken (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

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  Author: Felicia Lim
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  Total Time: 40 minutes
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  Yield: 4 servings
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  Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sweetened with honey and fragrant with garlic, this easy gluten-free honey garlic chicken is a delicious chicken dinner that comes together quickly, and is perfect for busy weeknights! Serve over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Totally dairy-free too.

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into evenly thin fillets
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (dairy-free butter if lactose-intolerant)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced finely (about 1 tablespoon minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce (tamari)

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Instructions

1. Coat Chicken in Cornstarch Mixture: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Coat each chicken cutlet evenly on both sides, shaking off any excess. (Coating in cornstarch helps create a light crust and keeps the chicken juicy inside).
2. Pan-Fry Chicken Fillets: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken fillets in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Stir in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the apple cider vinegar, honey, gluten-free soy sauce (tamari), and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (these brown bits will enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor).
5. Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
6. Add Chicken to Sauce: Return the cooked chicken fillets to the skillet. Use a spoon to coat each piece of chicken generously with the honey garlic sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully absorb and the sauce to thicken slightly more around the chicken.
7. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped fresh green onions, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve hot immediately with steamed rice or your preferred vegetables.

Notes

Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use skinless, boneless chicken thighs if you prefer. For even cooking, always make sure to slice the chicken into evenly-thin fillets, about 1/2 inch thick.

Cornstarch: Coating the chicken in cornstarch before pan-frying is crucial. It creates a light, crispy crust and helps to keep the chicken wonderfully juicy and tender inside. Don’t skip this step!

Seasonings: My blend includes ground black pepper and garlic powder for coating the chicken. For an extra layer of flavor, you may also add a small amount of onion powder to the mix.

Oil: I used extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but any neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point will work. Options include canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil.

Butter: To keep this recipe strictly dairy-free, I recommend using a high-quality dairy-free butter. If dairy is not an issue, regular unsalted butter can be used. You can also substitute with a tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Garlic: As a “honey garlic” chicken recipe, garlic is a star ingredient. I use about 1 tablespoon of finely minced fresh garlic for a pronounced flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste – more for a stronger garlic punch, less for a milder sauce.

Broth: While homemade chicken broth offers the best depth, for convenience, a good quality store-bought chicken broth or stock is perfectly fine. Opt for low-sodium if you’re controlling salt intake.

Honey: Honey is essential for the characteristic sweet and sticky glaze. If you need alternatives, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, but note they will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a critical tangy balance to the sweetness of the honey. White wine vinegar can be used as an alternative.

Soy Sauce: To maintain the gluten-free status, always use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari). If gluten is not a concern, regular soy sauce can be used. Coconut aminos are also a great option for a soy-free, gluten-free sauce.

Storing: Leftover honey garlic chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian