Name: Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Strips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken strips (trimmed, about 1/2-inch thick); 1/4 cup honey (room temperature); 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil for best flavor); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); to taste salt and pepper (use sparingly; soy sauce is salty); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point)); to taste green onions (for garnish (optional, thinly sliced))

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, sticky, and irresistibly savory-sweet, these Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Strips are the kind of weeknight magic that makes everyone ask for seconds. Ready in under 30 minutes, they deliver juicy chicken coated in a glossy honey-soy glaze with a gentle garlic kick — comfort food that feels a little fancy without any fuss. Fun fact: many pantry sauces started as improvisations for busy cooks who wanted big flavor fast — a tidy origin for a tidy meal.

This recipe stands out because it’s simple, fast, and family-friendly — perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. If you love quick skillet meals, you might also enjoy the hearty flavors of Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet, which shares the same homey vibe but leans creamier and spicier. Ready to get cooking? Let’s make a glaze that will have everyone licking their plates.

What is Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Strips?

Is it honey? Is it garlic? Is it a glaze? Yes to all — and that’s exactly what makes this dish so delightfully straightforward. The name says it all: strips of chicken bathed in a sweet honey-garlic mixture until they shine and caramelize. Where did the name come from? Maybe from a sleepy midwestern diner, or from your neighbor’s backyard dinner party where someone declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Rumor has it, and as the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Curious? Try it and you’ll see why the name sticks. Go on — give it a whirl and taste the story.

Why You’ll Love This

Big flavor, minimal work: The honey and soy sauce create a balanced sweet-and-salty glaze that clings to every strip, while garlic gives it warmth and depth. Each bite is glossy, slightly sticky, and deeply satisfying.
Budget-friendly and quick: Using basic pantry staples and a pound of chicken keeps costs low and prep time shorter than takeout. Make a large batch and stretch it into lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Versatile toppings and textures: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for contrast, or pair with a crunchy slaw to add brightness. If you enjoy saucy chicken recipes, you may also like the savory notes in Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet for another simple skillet option.

You’ll want to make these again and again — they’re quick to prepare, big on comfort, and endlessly adaptable. Try it tonight!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: marinate, pan-sear, and glaze. It’s easy enough for beginners, fast enough for busy evenings, and has a satisfyingly glossy finish that makes it look restaurant-quality. Expect tender chicken with a slightly crisp exterior and a rich, sticky sauce. Prep time: about 10 minutes (plus 30-minute marinate). Cook time: 10 minutes. Total: 50 minutes including marinating.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken strips (trimmed, about 1/2-inch thick)
1/4 cup honey (room temperature)
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil for best flavor)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste (use sparingly; soy sauce is salty)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point)
Green onions for garnish (optional, thinly sliced)

Directions

Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the honey is fully incorporated into the sauce.
Marinate the chicken: Add 1 lb chicken strips to the bowl and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If short on time, 15 minutes will still add flavor.
Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Let the oil shimmer — about 1 minute — but do not let it smoke.
Sear the chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Reserve the marinade. Arrange chicken in the hot pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving so a golden crust forms.
Flip and cook: Turn the strips and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside.
Glaze the chicken: Pour the reserved marinade into the pan and bring to a gentle simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring so the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Reduce heat to low and spoon the glossy glaze over the strips for another 30 seconds.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat, transfer chicken to a serving plate, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately with your chosen sides.

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Strips

What to Serve With

Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati to soak up the glaze
Garlic butter noodles or simple lo mein for a saucy pairing
A crisp cucumber and carrot salad for brightness and crunch
Roasted broccoli or bok choy for a green, slightly bitter contrast
A cold beer, chilled white wine, or iced green tea to balance the sweetness

Top Tips for Perfecting

Substitutions: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, woodier sweetness. Tamari works if you need gluten-free soy sauce.
Adjust heat: Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for kids, or add a splash of sriracha for more kick.
Even cooking: Pound thicker strips to uniform thickness so they cook evenly in the pan.
Avoid burning the honey: Keep the glaze on medium-low once added; honey can burn quickly at high heat.
Add texture: Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts add crunch and visual appeal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or a light drizzle of oil to revive the sauce. Microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking.
Note: The glaze may thicken in the fridge; loosen with a small splash of warm water when reheating.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips work perfectly. You can also use thighs cut into strips for juicier results.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for regular soy sauce.

How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes for good flavor. Up to 4 hours is fine; beyond that, the texture may change slightly.

Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes, then broil 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Reduce or omit red pepper flakes to keep it mild and kid-approved.

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen chicken strips?
You can, but cook times will be shorter and the glaze should be added at the end to warm through and coat the chicken.

Conclusion

These Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Strips are a weeknight superstar: quick to make, full of flavor, and loved by the whole family. They strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a glossy finish that feels special even on busy days. If you want more quick honey-garlic inspiration, try this 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders – Little Sunny Kitchen for a similar fast option, or explore these Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Nuggets – Olivia’s Cuisine for a bite-sized twist. Get cooking, share with loved ones, and enjoy the applause — because good food brings people together.