Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you want your meal prep to be flavorful, fuss-free, and something you actually look forward to eating during the week. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe with you! Sweet, spicy, and garlicky all at once, it hits that perfect balance that keeps lunch interesting and satisfying.

When I first tried making honey garlic chicken for meal prep, I was amazed at how the chicken stayed tender and juicy even after reheating. You’ll find that this recipe is not only quick to whip up but also incredibly versatile—whether you’re packing lunch for work or just looking to have dinner on hand, it’s a real game changer.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients work in harmony to give you that sticky, tangy sauce coating tender chicken pieces, paired with perfectly crisp broccoli and fluffy quinoa. When shopping, aim for fresh garlic and high-quality honey for the best flavor punch.

• Avocado or groundnut oil: Great for high-heat cooking and adds a neutral flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Chicken breasts: Diced for quick cooking and easy portioning. You can swap for thighs if you prefer a juicier texture.
• Egg: Helps the cornstarch stick to the chicken, creating that beautiful crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Crucial for getting a light, crispy crust on the chicken when pan-fried.
• Kosher salt: Use it to season gradually; it enhances all flavors without being too harsh.
• Broccoli: Fresh and cut into small florets for quick sautéing and maintaining crunch.
• Cooked quinoa: Adds nutty flavor and provides a healthy grain base for the meal.
• Honey: For sweetness that balances the heat of sriracha perfectly.
• Sriracha sauce: Adds that signature spicy kick. Adjust based on your heat preference.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is a must for rich, aromatic flavor.
• Rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang to elevate the sauce complexity.
• Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon for that toasty, nutty finish.
• Green onions: For a fresh, sharp garnish that also adds color.
• Black and white sesame seeds: Adds crunch and a decorative touch.

Variations

I love to tweak this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe depending on what I have in the pantry or what mood I’m in. Feel free to add your own twist to keep things exciting!

• Swap the grain: I sometimes use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of quinoa for a different texture or lower carb option.
• Protein switch-up: I’ve used diced turkey or even firm tofu coated in the same way, and it works surprisingly well if you want a vegetarian version.
• Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less sriracha or substitute with a mild chili sauce.
• Veggie additions: Throw in snap peas, bell peppers, or shredded carrots with the broccoli for an extra nutrient boost and color.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by whisking the egg in one bowl and mixing cornstarch with a pinch of salt and pepper in another. Dip each diced chicken piece into the egg, then toss gently in the cornstarch mixture to coat evenly. This step is key for getting that crispy golden crust—don’t skip the cornstarch!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan. Patience here pays off—let each side brown for about 8-10 minutes total. You want a nice golden crust without turning the chicken dry, so keep an eye on it and turn pieces gently.

Step 3: Whisk and Toss the Sauce

In a bowl, combine honey, sriracha, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat it thoroughly, letting every bite soak up all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

Quickly wipe out the skillet and add your remaining tablespoon of oil. Over medium-high heat, stir-fry the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they’re just beginning to brown – you want them bright and a bit crisp to add texture contrast.

Step 5: Assemble Your Meal Prep Bowls

Divide cooked quinoa into your containers, then layer the broccoli and saucy chicken on top. Finish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds, and if you like, a wedge of lime for a fresh zing right before eating.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with extra green onions and a sprinkle of both black and white sesame seeds — they add a lovely crunch and visual appeal. Sometimes I squeeze over a little lime juice to brighten the flavors right before eating, which I find really pulls the whole dish together.

Side Dishes

This honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with steamed veggies or a fresh side salad if you want some extra greens. I’ve also enjoyed it with roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal or even in wraps with lettuce and cucumbers for a fun twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken over jasmine rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and thinly sliced red chilies for a pop of color. Serving it in cute bento boxes with compartments keeps everything neat and makes lunchtime feel a little festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my honey garlic chicken meal prep bowls airtight in the fridge for up to four days. I find it’s best to store the sauce-coated chicken separately from the quinoa if you can, to keep textures fresh and prevent quinoa from getting mushy.

Freezing

While I usually don’t freeze this meal because fresh-made taste is best, it does freeze well in individual portions. Just make sure you cool everything completely before freezing and use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheating is simple—warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave on medium power to keep it juicy. I like to add a splash of water or a quick steam to the broccoli while reheating to keep it crisp but tender, then toss with fresh sesame seeds and green onions after heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Honey Garlic Chicken Meal Prep Recipe brings together bold flavors with zero stress. It’s become my go-to for busy weeks when I want something tasty that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be grabbing leftovers for lunch midweek and thinking of new ways to mix it up. Give it a shot—you’ll thank me later!

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