Indulge in the delightful balance of sweetness and savory flavor with this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, sticky sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a meal that’s both comforting and impressive. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is simple yet bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for any home cook.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Green onions for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes, making a total of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken breast with sauce) contains approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fat: 7g
– Fiber: 0g
This is based on a standard serving size of one chicken breast.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
7. Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer for 10 minutes.
8. In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
9. Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Maple syrup can substitute honey for a different sweetness, and tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Serving and Pairings
This Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or stir-fried bok choy.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not drying the chicken properly can prevent browning.
- Overcooking the chicken may lead to dryness.
- Using too much heat can burn the garlic.
- Forget to adjust the sauce thickness to your liking.
- Skipping the resting time for chicken can result in lost juices.
Helpful Tips
- Marinate chicken in the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different sweeteners like agave.
- Serve with fresh herbs for added freshness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lighter flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken without overcrowding.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat according to your preference.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines effortless cooking with mouthwatering flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness that will leave everyone wanting more!
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and cover; simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
