Honey Garlic Chicken with a Side of Broccolini: A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Fresh

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Introduction

There’s something deeply satisfying about the sweet-savory harmony of honey garlic chicken. It’s that sticky glaze clinging to golden chicken thighs, that warm aroma wafting from the pan as soy sauce sizzles with garlic and honey. Pair it with a vibrant, slightly crisp-tender broccolini side, and you’ve got yourself a wholesome, comforting meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

This recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken with a Side of Broccolini is one I return to again and again. It hits every mark: flavor, ease, and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a small dinner party, this dish brings both simplicity and elegance to the table.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish special, how to perfect it step by step, and a few tips that elevate it from great to unforgettable.

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Chicken:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use boneless/skinless if preferred)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup honey (preferably raw or local honey for depth of flavor)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or scallions (for garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

For the Broccolini Side:

  • 1 large bunch broccolini, trimmed (about 12 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • Optional: red chili flakes for a little heat

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel preferred)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Baking sheet (if roasting broccolini separately)
  • Meat thermometer (recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the pan. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs in the pan skin-side down. Sear for 5–6 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to get golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for another 3–4 minutes.

Once both sides are seared, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Don’t worry—it’s not fully cooked yet; we’ll finish it in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can ruin the sauce, so keep an eye on it.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and water. If you like a thicker sauce, you can also whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch here.

Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 3: Return Chicken to Pan and Bake

Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each thigh.

Place the entire skillet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Every 10 minutes or so, baste the chicken with the pan sauce to build layers of flavor and stickiness.

During the last 2–3 minutes, switch your oven to broil to caramelize the sauce on top of the chicken. Watch closely—this step gives you that irresistible sticky glaze, but it can go from caramelized to burnt quickly.

Step 4: Cook the Broccolini

While the chicken bakes, prep the broccolini. Trim the rough ends and give it a quick rinse.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden, about 1 minute. Then, toss in the broccolini. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Add a few tablespoons of water and cover the pan to steam for another 2–3 minutes, depending on how tender you like your greens. Remove the lid and allow any excess water to evaporate.

Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chili flakes if using. The brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the chicken and brings balance to the plate.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Spoon a generous amount of that sticky honey garlic sauce over the top, garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds.

Plate the chicken alongside the lemon-garlic broccolini, and don’t forget extra sauce for drizzling.

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles if you want to make it a fuller meal.

Cooking Tips & Variations

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Flavor

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs retain moisture and develop a rich flavor when seared and roasted. You can use breasts or boneless thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent dryness.

2. Make It a Meal Prep Hero

This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in airtight containers with a scoop of rice and broccolini for quick lunches or dinners.

3. Add More Veggies

You can add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to the broccolini side. Toss them in with the garlic for a medley of flavors.

4. Spice It Up

If you like heat, increase the red chili flakes in both the sauce and broccolini. A splash of sriracha or a few drops of chili oil can also give it a kick.

5. Go Gluten-Free

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Just double-check your cornstarch and other condiments if serving someone with allergies.

Why This Dish Works

This recipe works because it’s built on contrasts that complement each other beautifully:

  • Sweet + Savory: Honey’s floral sweetness balances out the salty umami from the soy sauce.
  • Crunchy + Tender: The crispy chicken skin and tender meat pairs with the just-soft-enough broccolini.
  • Zingy + Sticky: Lemon zest and vinegar cut through the glaze’s richness, making each bite feel satisfying but not heavy.

It’s also a dish that doesn’t demand fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, yet the result is something you’d proudly serve to guests.

Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: ~450–500
  • Protein: 30–35g
  • Carbohydrates: 20–25g
  • Fat: 25–30g
  • Fiber: 3–5g

This makes it a well-balanced dish, especially if paired with whole grains or served over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Chicken with a Side of Broccolini is one of those timeless dishes that delivers on all fronts. It’s beautiful, it’s balanced, and most importantly, it’s downright delicious.

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s also highly adaptable—you can tweak the sauce to be spicier, tangier, or even sweeter depending on your personal preferences.

Try it once, and I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.