Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

The aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with the sweetness of honey and the warmth of garlic is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I first tasted Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken during a cozy family dinner, and it quickly became a staple in our household. This dish brings together succulent pieces of chicken thighs, liberally coated in a sticky glaze that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe promises to deliver comfort and joy with every bite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this dish apart is its simplicity paired with remarkable flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The combination of honey, garlic, and a dash of soy sauce creates a tantalizing sauce that kids and adults alike will adore. Plus, you can easily pair it with rice, turning it into a hearty meal without much fuss.

"This honey garlic chicken is hands down the best recipe I’ve tried this month! It takes less than 30 minutes, and my kids keep asking for seconds!" – A satisfied home chef.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is straightforward and allows for a beautiful end result without culinary expertise. First, you’ll season and sear the chicken to create a delightful caramelized crust. Next, create a rich honey garlic sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors. Finally, everything comes together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for searing)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.33 cup honey (110g)
• 0.33 cup chicken stock (80ml)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• Cooked rice (preferably jasmine or basmati, for serving)

This recipe is quite forgiving, so feel free to substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer a leaner option. For a lighter sauce, consider using less honey or opting for a sugar substitute.

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Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.

2. Make the Sauce: In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes until fully combined.

3. Prepare the Slurry: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create your slurry.

4. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit more vegetable oil and the butter. When the butter foams, add the chicken in batches, without overcrowding, searing for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

5. Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the honey garlic mixture. Scrape up any browned bits and bring it to a simmer.

6. Thicken the Sauce: Re-whisk the slurry and slowly drizzle it into the sauce while stirring. Cook for about a minute until thickened.

7. Combine: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the glaze. Simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

8. Serve: Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately over cooked rice.

Tips for Serving

For an impressive presentation, serve Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken on a bed of jasmine rice, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans to add a pop of color and extra nutrition. For a family-style meal, consider serving it with a side of egg fried rice or a fresh cucumber salad to round out the experience.

Best Way to Store Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

To keep leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it longer, you can freeze the chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date. When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.

Pro Chef Tips

• Patience is Key: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking. This helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Flavors to Experiment With: If you enjoy a bit of spice, add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for a delightful kick.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: This dish can also be made in the oven by baking the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for a less hands-on approach.

Creative Twists

This recipe is versatile, and you can play around with different flavors. For an Asian twist, add some sesame oil and garnished sesame seeds. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider swapping out the honey for maple syrup for a unique flavor profile, or add a splash of citrus juice for a refreshing zing. You can also use different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a delightful variation.

Your Questions Answered

• How long does it take to prepare? This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick dinner option.
• Can I use other types of chicken? Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too, but remember they cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free? Yes, simply substitute light soy sauce with a gluten-free option or tamari.

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings loved ones to your table. Give it a try, and you just might find it joining the ranks of your go-to recipes. Happy cooking!

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

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• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A delightful dish featuring succulent chicken thighs coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for searing)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.33 cup honey (110g)
• 0.33 cup chicken stock (80ml)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• Cooked rice (preferably jasmine or basmati, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
2. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes until fully combined.
3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create your slurry.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit more vegetable oil and the butter. When the butter foams, add the chicken in batches, searing for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
5. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the honey garlic mixture. Scrape up any browned bits and bring it to a simmer.
6. Re-whisk the slurry and slowly drizzle it into the sauce while stirring. Cook for about a minute until thickened.
7. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the glaze. Simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
8. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately over cooked rice.

Notes

Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with breasts if you prefer a leaner option. For a lighter sauce, consider using less honey or opting for a sugar substitute.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 15
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken recipe, quick dinner