Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky tender boneless chicken thighs in a garlic, soy, and honey sauce make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe a standout for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is both simple and flavorful. With just minimal ingredients and ready in only 20 minutes, it’s sure to impress family and friends while satisfying your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish can be on your table in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously sticky and savory sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over boiled rice or with your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
• Simple Ingredients: With common pantry staples, you can whip this up without any special shopping trips.
• Easily Scalable: Perfect for meal prep or feeding larger crowds; simply adjust the ingredient quantities as needed.

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure fantastic results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan (skillet)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan (skillet): A good-quality frying pan ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients easily without mess.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help achieve the perfect balance of flavors in your sauce.

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 bowl.
2. Add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the chicken until fully coated.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

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

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add the butter to the pan; let it melt.
2. Stir in the minced garlic carefully to avoid burning.
3. Reduce heat to medium before proceeding to make the sauce.

Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, combine honey, stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce.
2. Stir well until mixed.

Step 5: Cook with Sauce

1. Pour the sauce into the pan with chicken.
2. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through (no longer pink).

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

1. Sprinkle chopped parsley and chilli flakes on top.
2. Serve over boiled rice for an excellent meal experience.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe! It’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Serving Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful experience, as its savory-sweet flavors complement a variety of side dishes. Here are some great ways to present this dish for an enjoyable meal.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Broccoli: The bright green color and slight bitterness of broccoli balance the sweetness of the chicken.
• Carrots: Sweet and crunchy carrots add texture and a pop of color to your plate.

Over Rice

• Boiled Rice: A classic pairing; the rice soaks up the delicious honey garlic sauce perfectly.
• Fried Rice: For an extra flavor boost, serve your chicken over flavorful fried rice mixed with vegetables.

In a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with honey garlic chicken and veggies for a low-carb option.
• Tortilla Wraps: Add the chicken, some fresh greens, and a drizzle of extra sauce in a tortilla for a quick meal on-the-go.

As Part of a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Combine chopped honey garlic chicken with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a refreshing salad.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds an excellent contrast to the tender chicken.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Achieving the perfect Honey Garlic Chicken requires attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. Here are some useful tips:

• Choose the right cut: Skinless boneless chicken thighs remain juicy and tender during cooking, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Coat evenly: Ensure each piece of chicken is fully coated in cornflour (cornstarch) to create a nice crust when cooked.
• Control the heat: Cook on high heat initially to sear the chicken, then reduce it to medium when adding garlic to prevent burning.
• Thickening the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer until reduced for that perfect sticky consistency that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Garnish wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Experiment with spices: Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference for an added kick.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your dining experience significantly. Here are some delicious options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice – A fragrant rice that pairs well with rich sauces.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side.
3. Sautéed Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans tossed in olive oil add freshness to your plate.
4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a nutritious alternative.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes complements the dish’s flavors nicely.
6. Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool contrast to the warm chicken.
7. Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Mildly bitter bok choy balances the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
8. Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness, making it an excellent counterpoint to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Cook just until no longer pink in the center.
• Ignoring the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can ruin the dish. Reduce the heat when adding it to prevent burning.
• Skipping marination: Not allowing time for flavors to meld makes the dish less flavorful. Consider marinating for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Using too much sauce: Too much sauce can overpower the chicken. Use only what you need for a balanced flavor.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: A thin sauce will not cling to the chicken well. Ensure you simmer long enough for it to reduce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1 minute at a time) on medium power, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more easily than thighs.

How do I make a vegetarian version of Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

You can substitute chicken with tofu or seitan and follow the same method for cooking and saucing.

What sides pair well with Honey Garlic Chicken?

Boiled rice is traditional, but steamed vegetables or a fresh salad also complement this dish nicely.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce?

Absolutely! You can add more or less honey according to your taste preference, or use a sugar substitute if desired.

How do I ensure my chicken is tender?

Marinating your chicken before cooking helps keep it tender and juicy during preparation.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only quick but also full of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Try adding vegetables or serve it with different sides for a unique twist each time!