Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner, this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is just for you! With tender chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce, this dish makes for a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a mouthwatering result every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:

• Simple ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry.
• Quick and easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, or even the cut of chicken to suit your preferences.
• Delicious balance of flavors: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a beautifully balanced sauce with sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

To create this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) – Helps create a light crust on the chicken
• ½ tsp salt – For seasoning
• ½ tsp pepper – Adds a touch of heat
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil – Used to sear the chicken
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced – For that strong, aromatic garlic flavor
• 110 g (1/3 cup) honey – Provides the sweetness in the sauce
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock – Adds depth and moisture to the sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar – Balances the sweetness with acidity
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce – For that umami flavor

To Serve:

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley – For freshness and color
• ½ tsp chili flakes – Optional, but adds a mild heat
• Boiled rice – The perfect side to soak up all that delicious sauce

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before starting, make sure you have the following kitchen tools:

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
• Mixing bowls (for the sauce and chicken coating)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board (for garlic and parsley)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with cornflour, salt, and pepper until they’re fully coated. This helps form a crispy exterior once cooked.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook on one side for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, allowing it to cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture into the pan with the chicken. Turn up the heat slightly and bring the sauce to a boil. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens, coating the chicken beautifully.
5. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through (check that it’s no longer pink inside), sprinkle with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Serve the chicken hot over a bed of boiled rice, and enjoy!

How to Make the Perfect Honey Garlic Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, and getting it just right is crucial. Here are a few tips to ensure the perfect honey garlic sauce:

• Don’t burn the garlic: Be careful when sautéing garlic. If the heat is too high, it can burn quickly and turn bitter.
• Adjust the sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of honey. If you prefer less sweetness, start with 2 tablespoons of honey and adjust to taste.
• Let the sauce thicken: Simmering the sauce until it reduces is key to achieving that sticky texture that clings to the chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

While boiled rice is the classic side for this dish, you can also serve Honey Garlic Chicken with:

• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas
• Garlic butter noodles or stir-fried noodles
• A fresh, simple salad for a lighter option

The sticky sauce pairs well with almost any side, making it easy to create a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken

• Use boneless, skinless thighs: Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, but you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, leave enough space between the pieces to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Add extra heat: If you like a bit of spice, add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Burning the garlic: As mentioned before, garlic cooks quickly, so always reduce the heat to medium before adding it to the pan.
2. Not letting the sauce thicken: If you rush the sauce, it will remain too watery. Be patient and let it reduce for that rich, sticky texture.
3. Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn’t dry out, especially if using chicken breasts.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, Honey Garlic Chicken stores beautifully:

• To store: Place the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• To reheat: Heat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

FAQ about Honey Garlic Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Absolutely! You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, adding the sauce halfway through.

Is there a gluten-free option? Yes, simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari, and ensure the cornflour is certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately, then reheat and combine just before serving.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a meal in advance, it’s sure to satisfy. If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious, time-saving meal ideas!

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