Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce in the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken gently to coat it evenly with the glaze. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the honey garlic chicken immediately over a bed of fluffy rice.