I’ve always loved the sweet and savory balance of halal honey garlic chicken recipe, especially for a quick halal-friendly chicken dinner. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even a cozy lunch with friends. I like to make it with small, square-shaped chicken breast. The best part? It’s 100% halal – no alcohol, no non-halal sauces, and it’s still full of rich, sticky flavor that makes you want a second plate.
Which ingredient substitutes make it a halal honey garlic chicken recipe
Traditional honey garlic chicken recipes sometimes use cooking wine or non-halal soy sauce. That’s why it’s so important to know what makes a dish truly halal. I swap non-halal ingredients with halal chicken dinner ingredients — regular halal-certified soy sauce (look for labels), apple cider vinegar instead of rice wine, and halal-certified chicken. These swaps keep it authentic while ensuring its truly halal honey garlic chicken for family gatherings.
Equipment Required
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs halal-certified chicken breast (cut into small, square-shaped pieces)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a light coating)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or any neutral halal cooking oil
For the Halal Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup halal-certified soy sauce
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (instead of rice wine)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Directions
Step 1: Prep the chicken
Pat your small halal chicken breast pieces dry. If you like a light crisp, toss them in cornstarch before cooking. This gives the chicken that restaurant-style slightly crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 2: Heat the pan
Place your skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil. Let it get hot before adding the chicken. This helps avoid that pale, boiled look. You want a nice golden sear!
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Add the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding (you can cook the remaining chicken pieces in the next batch). Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remember, halal honey garlic chicken tastes best when the chicken is slightly caramelized on the outside.
Step 4: Make the sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, halal-certified soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like an Asian-inspired halal restaurant!
Step 5: Combine chicken and sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey sauce over cooked chicken pieces. Stir it up to coat. Let it bubble gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze. If it gets too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with roasted vegetables for a healthy halal honey garlic chicken recipe.
Pro Tip
If you want halal honey garlic chicken with rice that feels extra luxurious, serve it with jasmine rice cooked in a bit of halal chicken broth. It soaks up the sweet-savory sauce beautifully.
How to store leftover halal honey garlic chicken
Cool it completely. Once done, store the leftover chicken pieces in a food storage container. Refrigerate it for 2-3 days. Reheat the food gently in a microwave oven after adding some water (a couple of tablespoons) to avoid thickness. This quick halal honey garlic chicken meal reheats really well for lunchboxes.
Pairing halal honey garlic chicken recipe with other items
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh cucumber salad with lemon
- Garlic butter noodles
- Roasted broccoli
These combinations turn it into a crowd-pleasing halal chicken recipe perfect for both everyday dinners and gatherings.
If you’re craving a mouthwatering dessert with it, you can check out my quick and easy dessert recipes here:
FAQs for halal honey garlic chicken recipe
Q: Can I cook chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, halal honey garlic chicken thighs stay juicier and add more flavor.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. You can freeze it in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on low.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
Add more flakes of red pepper. You can also use halal chili sauce for a spicy version.
Q: Can I make it a one-pan meal with veggies?
Absolutely. Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the last 5 minutes for a halal honey garlic chicken recipe with vegetables version.
Let’s make it together!
If you try this halal honey garlic chicken recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Write your comments below. I always enjoy seeing your versions and how you make this easy halal honey garlic chicken for dinner.
Halal Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Halal Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe features tender, bite-sized boneless chicken coated in a glossy honey-garlic glaze with a hint of soy and sesame. It’s sweet, savory, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful family meal.
Equipment Required
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons & cups
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs halal-certified chicken breast (cut into small, square-shaped pieces)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a light coating)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or any neutral halal cooking oil
For the Halal Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup halal-certified soy sauce
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (instead of rice wine)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Directions
- Prep Chicken – Pat small halal chicken breast pieces dry. For extra crispiness, toss lightly in cornstarch to get that restaurant-style exterior.
- Heat Pan – Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot before adding chicken.
- Cook Chicken – Arrange chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce – While chicken cooks, whisk honey, halal-certified soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Combine & Simmer – Reduce heat to medium-low, pour sauce over chicken, and stir to coat. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thick and sticky, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables for a flavorful halal honey garlic chicken meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
