Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky and sweet, the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. This dish features tender chicken thighs coated in a luscious garlic, soy, and honey sauce that’s sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and a prep time of just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a takeout-style meal at home without the hassle. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy date night, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for delicious Asian cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 20 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to serve.
• Minimal Ingredients: Using common pantry staples makes this dish easy to create.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over boiled rice or with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
• Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates an irresistible glaze.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan (skillet)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan (skillet): Provides enough space to cook the chicken evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing the chicken in cornflour and mixing your sauce ingredients smoothly.

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 to the bowl.
3. Toss the chicken until fully coated with the mixture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add unsalted butter to the pan until it melts.
2. Stir in minced garlic, reducing heat to medium to avoid burning.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

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

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

1. Once cooked, sprinkle chopped parsley and chilli flakes on top.
2. Serve over boiled rice for an amazing meal!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Serving your Honey Garlic Chicken is an opportunity to elevate the meal with delicious accompaniments. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, pairing it with the right sides enhances the overall experience.

With Boiled Rice

• Boiled rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the rich honey garlic sauce. It provides a neutral base that complements the flavors of the dish.

Over Stir-Fried Vegetables

• Serve your chicken on a bed of colorful stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. This adds crunch and nutrition while balancing the sweetness of the chicken.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, serve honey garlic chicken in crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a fun and healthy finger food that everyone will love.

With Noodles

• Pairing your chicken with noodles, such as rice noodles or egg noodles, creates a hearty meal. Toss them in any leftover sauce for added flavor.

As Part of a Salad

• Slice the honey garlic chicken and add it to a fresh salad with mixed greens, avocado, and sesame dressing. This adds freshness and a different texture to your meal.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, consider these tips for perfection:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey will enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey or add more soy sauce for balance.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain moisture and improves tenderness.
• Thicken sauce properly: Ensure your sauce simmers long enough so it thickens nicely, coating each piece of chicken perfectly.
• Garnish generously: Fresh parsley and chili flakes not only add color but also bring additional flavor notes to finish off your dish beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Honey Garlic Chicken can elevate your meals. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Steamed Broccoli
   The light bitterness of steamed broccoli complements the sweetness of honey garlic chicken superbly.

2. Fried Rice
   A flavorful fried rice can enhance your dish, adding texture and additional depth through veggies and eggs.

3. Garlic Bread
   Crisp garlic bread is perfect for dipping into extra sauce, making each bite more enjoyable.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and balances out the richness of honey garlic chicken.

5. Quinoa Salad
   A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs and lemon can provide a nutritious counterpoint to this sweet dish.

6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs well with the flavors in honey garlic chicken.

7. Asian Slaw
   Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in sesame vinaigrette offers crispness that contrasts nicely with tender chicken.

8. Miso Soup
   A warm bowl of miso soup can be a comforting side that complements Asian flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting the perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe requires attention to detail. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the coating process: Not using cornflour (cornstarch) can lead to a less crispy texture. Always coat the chicken well for that ideal crunch.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Add it after the chicken is browned, and reduce the heat to medium.
• Neglecting the sauce ratio: Too much or too little sauce can ruin your dish. Use the suggested measurements for balanced flavor.
• Using cold chicken: Cold chicken thighs may cook unevenly. Make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking.
• Ignoring resting time: Letting the chicken rest post-cooking allows juices to redistribute. This step enhances flavor and tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Honey garlic chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• You can freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or stock if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe.

How do I make this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe healthier?

You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for skinless chicken breasts. Additionally, use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! This recipe works well with chicken breasts, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What sides go well with Honey Garlic Chicken?

Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, fried rice, or a fresh salad. These pair perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.

How can I customize my Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added nutrition and color.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor! Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Try it tonight, and enjoy a delicious meal that feels like takeout but is made right at home!