Honey Garlic Chicken

why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich, savory glaze that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables, allowing for a balanced meal.
• Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors appeal to both adults and children, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
   • Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Combine and Cook:
   • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce.
   • Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   • If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup of water to create a slurry.
   • Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir well. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
6. Serve:
   • Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
   • Serve hot over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for a different take on the dish.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas by adding them to the skillet during the final cooking stages.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a splash of sriracha for extra spice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated.

FAQs

What type of chicken works best for Honey Garlic Chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe due to their quick cooking time and tenderness.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in it for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce during cooking

Honey Garlic Chicken

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Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this versatile recipe pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables

• Author: Ava
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well.
• Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, coat in sauce, and simmer on low for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
• Serve: Plate the chicken over rice or with vegetables, drizzling extra sauce on top.

Notes

• To thicken the sauce, add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water during simmering.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a splash of sesame oil for extra depth.