Honey Garlic Carrots are an easy stovetop side dish that turns simple carrots into something everyone at the table gets excited about. Tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, they are family friendly and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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This post was originally published on 5/16/2020 and updated on 3/4/2026.
I have spent decades cooking and baking both at home and in restaurant kitchens, and simple recipes like this are the ones I make over and over for my family. Through years of recipe testing, I have learned how to balance flavors so everyday ingredients taste their best. My family is always happy to be my official taste testers, and this carrot recipe has earned their approval more times than I can count.
Why We Love These Honey Garlic Carrots
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Easy stovetop recipe that comes together quickly.
- Family friendly side dish that everyone enjoys.
- A great way to turn everyday carrots into a special side dish.
- Pairs well with chicken, pork, beef, or holiday meals.
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe Ingredients
- Whole Carrots
- Water
- Salted Butter
- Minced Garlic
- Honey
- Salt
- Black Pepper
Substitution Suggestions
- Whole Carrots: I prefer to use whole carrots and cut them up, but you could use baby carrots. The cook time may differ but they'll stick work.
- Water: For extra flavor you could use chicken broth, but I almost always use water and the carrots turn out great!
- Salted Butter: Feel free to use unsalted butter and add a little extra pinch of salt to the carrots.
- Minced Garlic: I like to use freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor. You can also used jarred garlic, but I'd add a little extra.
How to Make Glazed Carrots
- First, peel and chop the carrots into 2 inch chunks.
- Then place them in a skillet with deep sides along with the water. Cook over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally until all the water has evaporated and carrots are tender. This takes about 15 minutes or so.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the butter, minced garlic, salt and black pepper to the skillet with the carrots. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Now add the honey and stir it all together.
- Cook the carrots for another 3-5 minutes until a glaze is created and the carrots are fork tender. (Meaning you can easily poke the carrots with a fork.)
Serving Honey Garlic Carrots
These sweet and savory carrots pair well with any protein and are pretty enough for any holiday table. Here are some of our favorites:
- Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken
- Crock Pot Honey Ham
- Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs
- Honey Mustard Chicken
- Easy Turkey Meatloaf
More Carrot Side Dish Recipes
If you love carrots here are few more recipes you won't want to miss! Easy Roasted Carrots is a simple recipe that pairs well with just about anything! Carrots cook along with everything else is my Instant Pot Pot Roast recipe. And in my Easy Chicken Stir Fry, carrots add color, flavor, and the perfect crunch to this one skillet meal.
Storing Honey Glazed Carrots
Storing: Place leftover cooled carrots in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating: Reheat these carrots over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Heather's Favorite Tools for this Recipe
- This is my favorite deep skillet. It's large enough to stir it all together in the skillet.
- I've had my Rachael Ray pots and pans since my wedding in 2010 and I love them. They've held up great and they're affordable.
- These nestled mixing bowls are my favorite for prepping ingredients.
- These glass measuring cups from Pyrex are my favorite to use when measuring liquids!
- A garlic press works great for the fresh garlic. I use a Pampered Chef one but this garlic press from OXO is a great one too!
Tips for Honey Garlic Carrots
- Cut the carrots all the same size. This will ensure they all cook evenly.
- Slice the carrots at a diagonal for an extra pretty presentation.
- Let all the water evaporate and steam the carrots. Then check for doneness. If you want them more tender, you can add a little bit more water. Remember that the carrots will continue to cook for another 5 minutes or so after the water has evaporated.
- Stir the carrots well after the honey is added so it can combine with the butter and create a yummy glaze.
- Change up the flavor by omitting the garlic and adding a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
Other Easy Side Dish Recipes:
- Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
- Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
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Stovetop Honey Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
- 2 pounds whole carrots, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 3 cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- In a deep sided skillet, add carrots and water. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until water has evaporated and carrots are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter, minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Add honey and stir together well. Cook and stir often until the carrots are glazed and fork tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
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