Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky, sweet, and savory, the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe delivers bold flavors that will make your taste buds dance. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something quick yet impressive. With tender chicken thighs coated in a luscious garlic, soy, and honey sauce, this recipe stands out for its simplicity and deliciousness. Get ready to enjoy a homemade meal that’s better than takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish, making it ideal for any night of the week.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of pantry staples needed, it’s budget-friendly and requires little planning.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over boiled rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a rich sauce that enhances the succulent chicken thighs.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet and savory flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

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Tools and Preparation

To get started with your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make cooking a breeze.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan (skillet)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan (skillet): Ideal for searing chicken evenly while allowing plenty of space for sauce reduction.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients like cornflour and spices to coat the chicken properly.
• Measuring spoons: Help ensure accurate measurements for the sauce ingredients, crucial for achieving the right flavor balance.

Ingredients

Sticky tender boneless chicken thighs in a garlic, soy and honey sauce. Minimal ingredients, simple to prepare and ready in 20 minutes!

For the Chicken

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

For Garnish

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

To Serve

• Boiled rice

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl. Add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough before adding chicken for a perfect sear.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the coated chicken thighs to the pan. Cook one side until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes—then flip over and cook an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic

Once both sides of the chicken are browned, add unsalted butter to the pan. Allow it to melt before stirring in minced garlic. Reduce heat to medium to prevent burning.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir thoroughly until mixed.

Step 6: Combine Sauce with Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with chicken. Increase heat to bring to a boil. Simmer for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley and chilli flakes on top before serving over boiled rice. Enjoy your delicious homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Serving your Honey Garlic Chicken is just as important as making it. A few thoughtful touches can elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some serving suggestions to consider.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed rice acts as a perfect base for the sweet and savory sauce, soaking up all the flavors.

With Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Pairing this dish with colorful stir-fried vegetables adds nutrition and makes the meal visually appealing.

On a Bed of Lettuce

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken on fresh lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch.

In Tacos

• Use corn tortillas to create tasty tacos filled with honey garlic chicken, topped with avocado and salsa for extra flavor.

As a Salad Topping

• Slice the chicken and use it as a topping for salads, adding a delicious twist to your greens.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

To ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips. They can help you achieve that sticky, tender texture everyone loves.

• Use fresh garlic – Freshly minced garlic will provide a stronger flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
• Adjust sweetness – If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly without compromising the sauce’s overall balance.
• Cook on high heat – Searing the chicken on high heat ensures a golden crust while keeping it juicy inside.
• Let it rest – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add spices like ginger or sesame oil for an additional flavor kick.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Complementing your Honey Garlic Chicken with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that pair well with this dish.

1. Fried Rice – A classic option, fried rice adds texture and absorbs all that delicious honey garlic sauce.
2. Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky taste of bread contrasts beautifully with the sweet chicken.
3. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool crunch that balances the warm dish.
4. Asian Noodles – Tossed in soy sauce or sesame dressing, Asian noodles bring an exciting contrast in flavors.
5. Roasted Broccoli – Roasted broccoli adds nutrients and its slight bitterness complements the sweetness of the chicken.
6. Miso Soup – This warm soup is light yet flavorful, making it a comforting side alongside your main dish.
7. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickled vegetables can cut through the richness of the honey garlic sauce.
8. Quinoa Salad – Nutty quinoa mixed with fresh herbs can provide a healthy alternative to traditional sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cornflour: This ingredient helps create a crispy texture on the chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken thighs thoroughly for the best results.

• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on your cooking times and ensure the chicken is just cooked through.

• Burning the garlic: Garlic can quickly turn bitter if burnt. Always lower the heat when adding garlic to prevent it from burning.

• Not simmering long enough: The sauce needs time to thicken properly. Allow it to simmer for 4-5 minutes until it reaches a good consistency.

• Using too much soy sauce: While soy sauce adds flavor, too much can make your dish overly salty. Stick to the recommended amount in the recipe.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may require slightly different cooking times due to their leaner nature.

How spicy is this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

The level of spice depends on how many chili flakes you add. You can adjust this according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it right before serving.

What side dishes pair well with Honey Garlic Chicken?

Served over boiled rice is classic, but you could also pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for variety.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or prepping food for meal prep, this dish fits perfectly. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste!