Why Make This Recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite for many. It’s simple to prepare, and you only need a few ingredients you probably already have at home. This dish is great for busy weeknights and can easily impress your family and friends. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, creating a complete meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- To make the sauce, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chilli flakes in a measuring cup. Whisk until well mixed. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and butter. Sear the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Gently simmer while stirring. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnished with parsley.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve Honey Garlic Chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice. You can also add some steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or a casual get-together with friends.
How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the Honey Garlic Chicken cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it sear better.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it helps thicken the sauce and gives it a nice texture.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference.
- For an extra kick, add more chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Variation
You can make a different version of Honey Garlic Chicken by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. The cooking times may vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just make sure not to overcook them to keep them tender.
2. Is the dish spicy?
The dish is not spicy unless you add chilli flakes. You can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it. Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chilli flakes in a measuring cup. Whisk until well mixed. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and butter. Sear the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Gently simmer while stirring. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the sauce, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve over cooked rice, garnished with parsley.
Notes
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better searing. Adjust the sweetness by varying the honey amount.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Recipes, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal