There’s something irresistibly comforting about a plate of Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish combines sweet and savory in a way that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests. With its sticky glaze and tender chicken, every bite is a delightful balance of flavor. Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare this scrumptious meal at home.
Top Reasons to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
– **Quick and Easy**: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich and delicious sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
– **Versatile**: Serve it with rice, noodles, or even veggies; it pairs well with a variety of sides.
– **Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone.
What to Buy
When preparing your Honey Garlic Chicken, it’s essential to have the right ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- ½ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch whisked with 1 tablespoon of water
Appliances & Accessories
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these items:
- Large Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Whisk: Useful for mixing the cornstarch and water.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly (165°F/75°C).
- Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken and garlic.
Honey Garlic Chicken: How It’s Done
Follow these easy steps to create your Honey Garlic Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This allows for quicker cooking and ensures each piece is drenched in flavor. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, then coat the chicken pieces thoroughly.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, it’s time to add the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the flour-coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and cooked through. This will lock in juices and enhance flavor.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour in the honey, water, soy sauce, and white vinegar. Stir everything together to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk the cornstarch with water until smooth and then add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. The result will be a glossy, sticky coating over the chicken that is simply irresistible.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your Honey Garlic Chicken warm, drizzled with extra sauce. Pair it with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Make It Year-Round
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is not just for cozy nights in; it’s versatile enough for any season. Here’s how you can customize it:
- Summer: Serve with a fresh garden salad or grilled veggies.
- Fall: Pair it with roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin puree.
- Winter: Enjoy it over a warm bed of mashed potatoes or in a comforting grain bowl.
- Spring: Complement it with asparagus or a light citrus salad.
Little Things that Matter
The little details can elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken to new heights:
- Marinate: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added color and texture.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
To enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken later, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water to keep the sauce moist.
Questions People Ask
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain tender and juicy, making them a great substitute. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
This dish is versatile; it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. For something different, try it with Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Chicken Root Veggies.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine them when you’re ready to eat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Honey Garlic Chicken gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken.
If you loved this Honey Garlic Chicken, try these delicious recipes next:
Bring It to the Table
Honey Garlic Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring friends and family together. The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen is sure to make everyone feel at home. As you plate up this dish, don’t forget to drizzle some extra sauce on top for that glossy finish. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is bound to be the star of the table.
With its balance of flavors and ease of preparation, Honey Garlic Chicken is a recipe that you will return to time and time again. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and succulent chicken will leave your taste buds singing. So grab your ingredients and start cooking; your taste buds will thank you!
Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken - Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt, then coat the chicken pieces thoroughly.
- Step 2: Heat the Pan - In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the chicken.
- Step 3: Cook the Chicken - Add the flour-coated chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices - Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Make the Sauce - Pour in the honey, water, soy sauce, and white vinegar. Stir to combine and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Thicken the Sauce - Whisk the cornstarch with water until smooth and add to the skillet. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve - Remove from heat and serve warm, drizzled with extra sauce. Pair with rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added color and texture.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
