1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If using chicken thighs, they may take a bit longer, around 7-10 minutes per side.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Tent it with foil to keep warm.

2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add Honey and Soy Sauce: Add the honey and soy sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
• Thicken the Sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip this step.
• Add Vinegar and Spices: Stir in the rice vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), sesame oil, and fresh ginger (if using). Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary (adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness).

3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the honey garlic sauce over the top of each piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and coat the chicken.
• Garnish: Once the chicken is well coated with the sauce, remove it from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if desired.

4. Serve:

• Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken immediately with your choice of sides. It pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad.