Why Make This Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that balances sweet and savory flavors. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is loved by many for its simplicity and the way it brings together familiar ingredients in a delicious way. The sticky honey glaze, combined with tender chicken, will leave your taste buds satisfied and your family asking for seconds.
How to Make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Craft the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chilli flakes. Whisk until well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Glaze and Finish: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the glaze. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
How to Serve Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey Garlic Chicken is best served hot. Spoon it over a bed of cooked rice, allowing the rice to soak up the delicious glaze. You can also accompany it with steamed veggies or a crisp salad for extra color and nutrition. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your family or friends for a satisfying meal!
How to Store Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
Tips to Make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey based on your taste preference.
- You can add more vegetables to the dish, like bell peppers or broccoli, for added flavor and nutrition.
Variation
You can easily switch this recipe to use shrimp, tofu, or even pork in place of chicken for a different protein option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well too! Just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the honey or use a sugar substitute. Additionally, serve it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier grain option.
3. Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it! Store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful dish that balances sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Craft the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chilli flakes. Whisk until well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Glaze and finish: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the glaze. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Notes
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a nice sear. Adjust sweetness with honey as per taste preference. Add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Easy Dinner Recipe