Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies & Rice is the kind of comforting, crave-worthy dinner that checks every box: crispy chicken, a glossy sweet-savory sauce, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables all in one bowl. This homemade version delivers bold takeout-style flavor using simple pantry ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals when you want something special without extra fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies & Rice
This recipe has become a favorite for good reason. It’s approachable, flexible, and deeply satisfying.
First, the texture contrast is irresistible. The chicken is coated lightly in cornstarch and pan-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite without making it soggy.
Second, the flavor balance is spot-on. Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and a touch of chili heat come together in a sauce that’s bold but family-friendly.
Finally, it’s a complete meal in one bowl. With tender chicken, warm rice, and fresh vegetables, you don’t need much else to get dinner on the table.
Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies & Rice
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Sesame oil
- Cornstarch
- Neutral frying oil (such as vegetable or avocado oil)
Honey Garlic Sauce
- Honey
- Soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
- Sweet chili sauce
- Fresh garlic, finely minced
Rice & Veggies
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini)
- Optional garnish: sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Chicken thighs vs. breasts: Thighs stay juicier and more forgiving, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them.
- Soy sauce substitute: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Honey alternative: Maple syrup can replace honey for a slightly different but still delicious sweetness.
- Cornstarch swap: Arrowroot starch works similarly if needed.
- Veggie flexibility: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Frozen veggies are fine in a pinch—just sauté or steam them separately.
- Lower sodium: Choose low-sodium soy sauce and balance flavor with extra garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Season and Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Place them in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss until well coated. If time allows, let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor, though this step can be skipped for a faster meal.
Step 2 – Coat the Chicken for Crispiness
Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned chicken and toss again until each piece is lightly coated. The cornstarch is key to creating that crisp exterior without heavy breading.
Step 3 – Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat a shallow layer of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and repeat as needed.
Step 4 – Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce
Carefully discard excess oil from the skillet, leaving about one tablespoon behind. Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Step 5 – Toss Chicken in the Sauce
Return the crispy chicken to the skillet. Toss until each piece is fully coated in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two so the sauce clings tightly to the chicken.
Step 6 – Prepare Rice and Veggies
While the chicken cooks, warm your cooked rice and prepare the vegetables. You can steam, sauté, or stir-fry them lightly with a pinch of salt and a splash of oil. Keep the veggies crisp-tender for the best texture.
Step 7 – Assemble and Serve
Spoon rice into bowls, top with veggies, and add a generous portion of sticky honey garlic chicken. Finish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying in batches keeps the chicken crispy instead of steaming.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor and aroma.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce and add a splash of soy sauce or vinegar if you prefer a less sweet profile.
- Keep sauce glossy: Avoid high heat once the sauce is added, which can cause it to burn or crystallize.
- Prep ahead: Chop veggies and cook rice earlier in the day to make dinner lightning-fast.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken: Finish the sauce with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Ginger Honey Garlic Chicken: Add freshly grated ginger for extra warmth and depth.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh using the same coating method.
- Teriyaki-Style Twist: Swap sweet chili sauce for a thicker teriyaki sauce and reduce honey slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies & Rice is satisfying on its own, but you can easily round out the meal. Serve it with a simple cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or a light broth-based soup. For casual entertaining, present everything family-style and let everyone build their own bowls.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~32 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~55 g |
| Fat | ~20 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sodium | ~780 mg |
Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies & Rice
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) until crispy, flipping halfway through. While pan-frying yields the crispiest texture, baking is a good lighter option.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The sauce is sweet and savory with mild heat. If serving very young children, you can reduce or omit the sweet chili sauce.
What vegetables work best in this dish?
Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and green beans all pair well. Choose vegetables that hold their texture and color when cooked.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. For best results, fry and toss the chicken in sauce just before serving.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Serve immediately after tossing in sauce, and avoid covering the pan, which traps steam and softens the coating.
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies & Rice
Equipment
- large skillet
- mixing bowls
- cutting board
- knife
- spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp neutral frying oil
- 80 ml honey
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 60 ml sweet chili sauce
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and sesame oil. Toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the seasoned chicken and toss again until each piece is lightly coated.
- Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden and crispy on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Discard excess oil, leaving about one tablespoon in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic, and cook briefly. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce and let simmer until glossy.
- Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes more.
- Warm the cooked rice and lightly cook the vegetables until crisp-tender.
- Assemble bowls with rice, vegetables, and sticky honey garlic chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggies & Rice is proof that homemade meals can rival your favorite takeout. It’s flavorful, adaptable, and comforting, making it a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal stress.