Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl: Easy, Flavor Packed Weeknight Favorite

The Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl takes me straight back to a crisp autumn evening in a tiny street-side diner in Montreal, where I first whipped up this dish during a chaotic dinner rush. I tossed together sweet honey, rich soy sauce, and fresh garlic, poured it over golden-seared chicken, and served it on steaming jasmine rice with vibrant vegetables. It became the one thing every regular would request again and again.

Now at Fresh Leaf Rezepte, I’ve refined that nostalgic recipe to fit busy lives and everyday kitchens. This Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl is the kind of meal that makes weeknights better. It’s fast, flavor-packed, and deeply satisfying—especially as the days get cooler and comfort food calls.

Whether you’re just learning to cook or you’re already a weeknight dinner pro, this Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl delivers every time. Let’s dive into the delicious details of how to make it.

Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl

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• Author: Sam
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl is fast, flavor-packed, and deeply satisfying, ideal for busy weeknights and cooler days. Juicy chicken glazed with sweet-savory sauce over jasmine rice with vibrant veggies makes it a go-to comfort meal.

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Ingredients

• 500g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil for pan-frying
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, toss chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while prepping the vegetables and sauce.
2. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and (if using) ginger and chili flakes. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned on all sides and fully cooked.
4. Pour sauce into the pan and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
5. Divide hot rice into bowls. Add glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Double the sauce if you want extra to drizzle over the rice. Pre-cook the rice and steam veggies in advance to save time. Great with snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy as veggie swaps. Swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas for a different take.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple yet flavorful recipe relies on pantry staples and fresh produce.

For the chicken:

• 500g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil for pan-frying

For the honey garlic sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)

For the bowl:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds for garnish

For another spin on a comforting rice-based meal, check out our Teriyaki Chicken Healthy Bowl or the veggie-packed Garlic Chicken Veggie Bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, toss chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the vegetables and sauce.
2. Make the Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and (if using) ginger and chili flakes. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned on all sides and fully cooked.
4. Glaze the Chicken
   Pour the sauce into the pan and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
5. Assemble Your Bowl
   Divide hot rice into bowls. Add glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and green onions. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Looking for more dinner inspiration? Don’t miss our reader-favorite Garlic Butter Chicken Bites or quick Speedy Chicken Fried Rice.

Tips for Success

• Use Thighs for Juicier Results: Chicken thighs stay more tender and flavorful, especially after being glazed in the honey garlic sauce.
• Double the Sauce: Want more to drizzle over the rice? Just double the ingredients for a saucier Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl.
• Pre-cook Rice: Save time by using leftover rice or preparing it in advance.
• Steam Veggies Ahead: You can prep and refrigerate the broccoli and carrots for faster assembly.

Pair this recipe with a bowl of Honey Garlic Smoked Sausage for an indulgent fall dinner spread.

Easy Variations to Try

Gluten-Free Option

Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make your Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl gluten-free.

Add Extra Veggies

Snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy all taste amazing with the honey garlic glaze. Just sauté or steam and toss them in.

Swap the Protein

Try this Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl with crispy tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas for a plant-based or pescatarian option.

For a creative twist, try using the same sauce in our Mediterranean Chicken Bowl or with pasta, as seen in our Honey Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Fridge: Store your Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short bursts.
• Meal Prep: Divide the chicken, rice, and veggies into separate containers for quick grab-and-go lunches.

For another comfort meal that stores beautifully, try our Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese.

Final Thoughts

The Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl is more than just a quick dinner, it’s comfort, flavor, and ease all wrapped in one. Whether you’re cooking it after a long day or meal prepping for the week ahead, it always hits the spot. Once it becomes part of your recipe rotation, you’ll see why it’s a top pick in the Fresh Leaf community.