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A vibrant plate of baked chicken breast with roasted broccoli and sweet potato, showcasing healthy chicken recipes.

Velvety Honey Garlic Chicken: The Ultimate Healthy Meal Prep Recipe

Unlock perfectly tender, juicy chicken every time with this healthy honey garlic chicken recipe, ideal for easy, delicious meal prep. Our unique 'dry velveting' technique ensures succulent results that stay moist even after reheating. Say goodbye to dry, stringy chicken!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (divided, or any other oil)
  • 4 chicken breasts (diced into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (for velveting)
  • 1 large egg (beaten)
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or more if needed)
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
  • 1 head broccoli (cut into small florets)
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (use 1 tablespoon for a less spicy option)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1-2 teaspoon black and white sesame seeds (or as desired)

Equipment

  • Non-stick skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Shallow bowls
  • Meal prep containers

Method
 

1. Prepare Chicken & Velveting
  1. First, dice your 4 chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch pieces. Place the diced chicken into a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Let this sit for 15 minutes. While the chicken is resting, prepare two separate shallow bowls: one with the 1 large egg, beaten, and the other with 3 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon from your 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt total).
2. Coat Chicken
  1. After the velveting time, dip each velveted chicken piece into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the egg-coated chicken pieces into the cornstarch bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is lightly and evenly coated in the cornstarch. This coating is key for a crispy exterior and helps the Honey Garlic Sauce adhere beautifully.
3. Cook Chicken to Golden Perfection
  1. Heat one tablespoon of the 2 tablespoons avocado oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. For food safety, ensure an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the perfectly cooked, crispy chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Whisk Honey Garlic Sauce
  1. While the chicken is resting, in a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for less spice if desired), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. This aromatic blend creates our signature Honey Garlic Sauce.
5. Glaze Chicken
  1. Pour the freshly whisked Honey Garlic Sauce over the cooked chicken pieces. Toss gently to coat every piece completely, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and create a glistening glaze around the velvety chicken. The fragrant garlic and sweet honey will truly come alive.
6. Sauté Broccoli
  1. Quickly wipe the pan clean with a paper towel to remove any burnt bits. Add the remaining one tablespoon of avocado oil to the skillet and preheat it again over medium-high heat. Add the 1 head broccoli florets and stir-fry them until they are tender-crisp and start to brown, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This Stir-fry technique brings out the broccoli's natural sweetness and maintains its vibrant color.
7. Assemble Meal Prep Bowls
  1. Now it is time to assemble your delicious Meal Prep bowls. Divide about 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa (from your 2 cups cooked quinoa total) into each meal prep container. Then, arrange the sautéed broccoli and the glazed Honey Garlic Chicken equally among your bowls, layering them beautifully over the Quinoa.
8. Garnish & Serve
  1. To finish, garnish each bowl with thinly sliced 2 green onions and a sprinkle of 1-2 teaspoon black and white sesame seeds. A fresh lime wedge on the side is perfect for a burst of citrus to cut through the richness. These bowls can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Serve cold or reheated, as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 38gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 12mg

Notes

Storage: These Velvety Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep bowls can be safely refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Always ensure the chicken is cooled completely before sealing and storing to prevent condensation.
Reheating: For best results, reheat your chicken in the microwave with a splash of water for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a teaspoon of water or broth to create steam and prevent drying.
Broccoli & Quinoa Storage: To prevent the broccoli from getting soggy, use meal prep containers with separate compartments or store it in a small, breathable container. Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container to prevent it from getting hard; a tiny splash of water during reheating can revive its texture.
Pro Tips: Do not skip the 1/4 teaspoon baking soda velveting step. Cook chicken in a single layer in a quality non-stick skillet with sufficient oil for a golden crust. Quickly wipe the pan clean before sautéing broccoli. If the Honey Garlic Sauce seems too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water). Lightly season chicken before coating. Avoid overcrowding the pan and overcooking chicken (165°F internal temperature) or broccoli (tender-crisp).
Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh lime wedges, tangy kimchi, thinly sliced radishes, or extra steamed greens like spinach. Pairs well with a crisp white wine or iced green tea.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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