Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky, tender, and bursting with flavor, this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With minimal ingredients and a preparation time of just 20 minutes, you can create a delightful dish that will impress your family or guests. The sweet and savory garlic sauce pairs beautifully with rice, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for last-minute dinners.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over boiled rice, noodles, or even alongside vegetables for a complete meal.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of pantry staples required, it’s easy to whip up when you’re low on groceries.
• Family-Friendly Dish: The sweet flavor profile appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe efficiently, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan (skillet)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan (skillet): A good frying pan allows for even cooking and browning, which is key for achieving that golden color on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: This is essential for tossing the chicken with the cornflour and seasonings before cooking.

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
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Sauce

• 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
• boiled rice

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper.
3. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the pan.
3. Cook one side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add unsalted butter to the pan; let it melt.
2. Stir in minced garlic carefully to avoid burning; reduce heat to medium.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce; mix well.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

1. Pour the sauce into the frying pan with chicken.
2. Increase heat to bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for about 4-5 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens; ensure chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once cooked, sprinkle chopped parsley and chilli flakes over the dish.
2. Serve hot over boiled rice.

Enjoy preparing this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Serving Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its sweet and savory flavors.

Over Boiled Rice

• A classic pairing, boiled rice absorbs the sticky honey garlic sauce, making each bite comforting and flavorful.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Add a colorful mix of steamed broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a nutritious balance that complements the richness of the chicken.

Inside Lettuce Wraps

• Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb option. Top with shredded carrots for crunch.

Accompanied by Quinoa Salad

• A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

On Whole Wheat Tortillas

• Use whole wheat tortillas to create wraps filled with honey garlic chicken and your choice of fresh veggies for a quick meal.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the dish with additional finely chopped parsley or cilantro for an herbaceous freshness that brightens each bite.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Honey Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor significantly compared to jarred alternatives.

• Adjust Sauce Thickness: For a thicker sauce, let it reduce longer on heat; if it becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken stock.

• Marinate Chicken: Allowing the chicken thighs to marinate in the honey soy mixture for at least 30 minutes can deepen the flavor.

• Cook at High Heat: Searing the chicken on high heat creates a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy on the inside.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust chili flakes or add ginger for extra flavor based on your spice preference.

• Serve Immediately: Honey garlic chicken tastes best when served fresh off the stove, ensuring you enjoy its sticky texture.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Honey Garlic Chicken can enhance its overall appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   A fragrant option that perfectly complements the sweet flavors of the chicken.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich side that balances well with honey’s sweetness.

3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These crispy sprouts offer a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the dish’s sweetness.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar keeps things light and adds a crunchy texture.

5. Sautéed Green Beans
   Quick sautéed green beans seasoned with sesame oil bring color and nutrition to your plate.

6. Coleslaw
   A crunchy cabbage slaw adds brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the honey garlic sauce.

7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes harmonizes beautifully with honey garlic flavors.

8. Quinoa Pilaf
   A nutrient-dense quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs makes for a wholesome side that enhances any meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much cornflour: Over-coating the chicken can lead to a gummy texture. Use just enough to lightly coat each piece.
• Not preheating the pan: Failing to heat your pan properly can result in uneven cooking. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken.
• Ignoring the garlic: Burning garlic can make your sauce bitter. Always lower the heat after adding it and keep an eye on it.
• Skipping the simmering step: Not allowing the sauce to thicken means missing out on rich flavor. Let it simmer until it reduces properly.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long makes it dry. Check for doneness early to maintain juiciness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer portions to a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use skinless boneless chicken breasts, but thighs provide a juicier texture.

How spicy is this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

The spiciness mainly comes from chili flakes. You can adjust or omit them based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately.

What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs well with boiled rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes!