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Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

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Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. The sauce caramelizes as it cooks, coating the chicken with a sticky, glossy glaze that’s both flavorful and satisfying. This recipe is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Flavorful: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates.

  • Versatile: This recipe can be adapted to include your favorite vegetables or to suit different dietary preferences.

  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture of the chicken.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)

  • ¼ cup honey

  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

  • 5-6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)

  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken)

  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger, optional)

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)

  • ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)

  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

  • Fresh green onions (for garnish)

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

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

  4. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Add the seared chicken back to the skillet, making sure each piece is coated in the sauce. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with ¼ cup of water to make a slurry. Add this to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

  6. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.

  • Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.

  • Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Total Time: Approximately 25-30 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 during the last few minutes of cooking for a one-pan meal.

  • Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicier version.

  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up during reheating.

FAQs

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and finish it with the pre-made sauce.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make Honey Garlic Chicken in the slow cooker, combine the sauce ingredients with the chicken and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch at the end if needed.

How long will leftovers last?

Left

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Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Skillet, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken coated in a delicious sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with rice or vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger, optional)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • ¼ cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Fresh green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken

    • Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.

  • Sear the Chicken

    • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
    • Remove from the skillet and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce

    • In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
    • Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.

  • Cook the Chicken

    • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
    • Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  • Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

    • Mix 2 tsp cornstarch with ¼ cup water to make a slurry.
    • Stir into the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.

  • Garnish and Serve

    • Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
    • Serve hot with rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
  • Adjust the sweetness by reducing or increasing the honey.
  • For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

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