I absolutely love how this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe comes together with such vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. It’s one of those dishes that feels a little fancy but is straightforward enough to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re prepping for a busy workweek or just want a tasty meal ready in a flash, this recipe hits all the marks.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the honey and garlic balance the heat from the sriracha. Plus, the tender chicken paired with crisp-tender broccoli and wholesome quinoa makes it a complete meal you’ll look forward to eating again and again. If you’re searching for a meal prep option that keeps well and tastes amazing cold or reheated, this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe is your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed and Balanced: The honey’s sweetness complements the garlic and spicy sriracha perfectly.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge and tastes great both hot and cold.
- Easy and Quick to Make: You can have this ready in about 30 minutes, even on a busy weekday.
- Nutritious and Complete: With chicken, quinoa, and broccoli, it’s a full meal that fuels your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe is how simple ingredients work together to create layers of flavor and texture. I like using fresh garlic and good-quality honey because you’ll really taste the difference.
- Avocado or groundnut oil: Great for high-heat cooking and adds a neutral base to keep the chicken crispy.
- Chicken breasts: Diced for quick cooking and easy portioning in meals.
- Large egg: Helps the cornstarch adhere nicely for that perfect golden crust.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating without heaviness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Broccoli: Adds crunch and vibrant color, plus it cooks up quickly in the same pan.
- Cooked quinoa: A protein-packed grain that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness.
- Sriracha sauce: Brings just the right amount of kick.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for that punchy aroma and taste.
- Rice vinegar: A splash of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty finish to the sauce.
- Green onions: For fresh, sharp garnish.
- Black and white sesame seeds: Adds texture and a beautiful visual contrast.
Variations
I love playing around with this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe to suit different moods or dietary needs. You can easily swap or add ingredients to keep it fresh and exciting.
- Spice Level: If you want it milder, just tone down the sriracha or leave it out for a sweet garlic chicken.
- Protein Swap: Turkey or tofu are great alternatives; tofu soaks up the sauce beautifully for a vegetarian twist.
- Veggie Boost: Sometimes I toss in bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Grain Alternative: Feel free to swap quinoa for brown rice or cauliflower rice, depending on your preference or what’s on hand.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Set yourself up with two bowls: one with the beaten egg, and the other mixing cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each chicken piece into the egg first — this is what helps the cornstarch stick perfectly. Then toss them in the cornstarch mixture until they’re nicely coated. This step is crucial for getting that crisp exterior without frying in lots of oil.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of avocado or groundnut oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer — don’t crowd the pan, or they won’t crisp up properly. Let them cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden and cooked through. This part always feels satisfying as your kitchen fills with that amazing aroma.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce and Toss
While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, sriracha, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Once the chicken is done, pour this sauce right over the pan and toss everything to coat the pieces evenly. The sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken, making every bite irresistibly flavorful. Set the coated chicken aside once everything is well combined.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli
Wipe out the pan quickly with a paper towel and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the broccoli florets and stir-fry over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to get a little color and stay crisp-tender—this contrast pairs brilliantly with the tender chicken. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls
Spoon about half a cup of cooked quinoa into each meal prep container. Divide the broccoli and honey garlic chicken evenly on top. Finish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions and black and white sesame seeds. If you like, a wedge of lime adds a fresh pop just before serving. Refrigerate and enjoy throughout the week!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
- Get the Chicken Crispy: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken; give each piece room to brown evenly.
- Use Fresh Garlic: It makes all the difference — pre-minced garlic tends to be less vibrant in flavor.
- Adjust Spiciness: Add sriracha little by little so you can control the heat level perfectly to your taste.
- Don’t Skip the Quinoa: Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture balance the saucy chicken and crunchy broccoli beautifully.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and a mix of black and white sesame seeds on top right before serving. They add not only a pop of color but also a subtle crunch and fresh bite that brightens the dish. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lime juice really lifts all the flavors.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe already has quinoa and broccoli, I usually keep sides light. But if you want, a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar or roasted sweet potatoes go wonderfully alongside. For a cozy night, steamed jasmine rice is a comforting swap for the quinoa.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the honey garlic chicken over a bed of fluffy coconut rice and garnishing with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted cashews. It feels a bit festive and extra, perfect for sharing with guests or celebrating a meal at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store the chicken, broccoli, and quinoa together in airtight containers in the fridge. This recipe keeps really well for up to 4 days, making it ideal for weekday lunches or quick dinners. Just make sure your containers are sealed tightly to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
While I usually recommend eating this meal fresh within a few days, you can freeze the chicken and quinoa separately if needed. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. I don’t freeze the broccoli because it tends to lose its crispness, but you can always add fresh steamed broccoli when serving if you want.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over the stove with a splash of water to steam and warm the chicken and broccoli without drying them out. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just cover the bowl to trap moisture and heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you juicier, more flavorful bites. Just dice them similarly and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
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Is this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe uses cornstarch instead of flour and does not call for any gluten-containing sauces, making it safe for a gluten-free diet.
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How spicy is the dish with sriracha?
The heat level is moderate. You can adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or hotter depending on your preference.
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Can I prepare this meal vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, swapping chicken for firm tofu or tempeh works well. Just press and dice tofu, then follow the same coating and cooking steps.
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How long does this recipe last in the fridge?
Stored properly in airtight containers, this meal lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Always check for freshness before eating.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I need something quick, delicious, and reliable. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress friends or family. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a dish that keeps well, tastes fresh, and satisfies your cravings without fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Meal Prep, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep recipe features tender, juicy diced chicken breasts coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, stir-fried broccoli, and fluffy quinoa, all tossed in a flavorful honey garlic sriracha sauce. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal prep that can be enjoyed cold or reheated throughout the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 tablespoons avocado or groundnut oil, divided
- 4 chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Vegetables and Grains
- 1 head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1-2 teaspoons black and white sesame seeds, as desired
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk the beaten egg. In a second bowl, mix the cornstarch with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This sets the base for coating the chicken evenly.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each diced chicken piece first into the beaten egg, then toss thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture ensuring a light, even coating on all sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to create a balanced and flavorful sauce.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan and toss to coat every piece evenly. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Quickly wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Preheat the skillet again over medium heat and stir-fry the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown slightly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper then remove from heat.
- Assemble the Meal Prep Bowls: Divide about 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa per bowl. Evenly distribute the stir-fried broccoli and honey garlic chicken on top of the quinoa.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions and black and white sesame seeds over each bowl. Optionally, add lime wedges for squeezing over the dish. Refrigerate up to 4 days and serve cold or reheated as preferred.
Notes
- Use avocado or groundnut oil as they have high smoke points ideal for frying the chicken and broccoli.
- Adjust the sriracha quantity according to your preferred heat level.
- Quinoa can be substituted with rice or cauliflower rice for variation or dietary preferences.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This meal prep can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken or overcooking the broccoli.