Follow these easy steps to create the flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken:

1. Prepare Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken. If using chicken breasts, consider slicing them in half to ensure even cooking.
2. Make Marinade: In a bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, olive oil, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well mixed.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
4. Preheat Oven: If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Sear Chicken: For extra flavor, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Transfer to Oven: If you seared the chicken, you can transfer it to an oven-safe dish. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Optional Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to the reserved marinade in the skillet and simmer over medium heat until thickened.
9. Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken if desired.
10. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for an added touch of flavor and presentation.

These straightforward steps will guide you in preparing mouthwatering Honey Garlic Chicken effortlessly.