Who doesn’t love a great chicken recipe? Honey garlic chicken is a delicious and popular dish that’s packed with flavor. Let’s dive into the details of making this savory meal.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
To start, let’s gather the ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds (about 680 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are usually more flavorful, but breasts work well if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides that savory, umami flavor.
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced: You can adjust the amount to taste.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Helps balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: For thickening the sauce.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: For garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Next, add the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute or two until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and let the chicken soak up the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Honey garlic chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Steamed Rice: A classic choice, steamed rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: For a healthier twist, serve with quinoa or brown rice.
- Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas complement the flavors nicely.
- Noodles: Try serving the chicken over a bed of noodles for a different texture.
Cooking Tips
- Choice of Chicken: As mentioned, chicken thighs are typically juicier and more flavorful than breasts. However, if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work well too.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for this recipe. Pre-minced garlic might save time, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
- Honey: If you’re out of honey, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a good option if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken broth. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a bit more cornstarch slurry.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of thighs or breasts. Bake or fry the wings until crispy, then toss them in the sauce.
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken: For a hands-off approach, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Thicken the sauce at the end if needed.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Who doesn’t love a great chicken recipe? Honey garlic chicken is a delicious and popular dish that’s packed with flavor. Let's dive into the details of making this savory meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds about 680 grams of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are usually more flavorful, but breasts work well if you prefer.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides that savory umami flavor.
- 5 cloves of garlic minced: You can adjust the amount to taste.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Helps balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: For thickening the sauce.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions: For garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Next, add the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer for another minute or two until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, turning to coat each piece with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and let the chicken soak up the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming the recipe serves four):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 22g
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used, so it’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re tracking your intake closely.
Leftovers and Storage
Honey garlic chicken stores well and makes for great leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken in the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
Honey garlic chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that will likely become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
Feel free to get creative with the recipe and make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some of the variations, I’m sure you’ll love the results. Enjoy your cooking adventure!