Description
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken
This easy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken combines crispy chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it the perfect centerpiece for your dinner table.
Ingredients:
4 chicken fillets
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp oil
Fresh parsley and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Dredge chicken in cornstarch and fry in oil until golden.
In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
Pour sauce over the chicken and let simmer until sticky.
Garnish with fresh parsley and green onions.
Serve hot over rice for the perfect dinner.
#SavoryChickenDinner
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat 4 chicken fillets completely dry with paper towels. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Place 1/4 cup of cornstarch in a shallow bowl.
2. Coat and Fry: Dredge each chicken piece thoroughly in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/3 cup honey and 3 tbsp soy sauce. Whisk continuously and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
4. Combine and Glaze: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece in the sauce. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to become sticky and cling to the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several sides. For a classic meal, serve it over a bed of steamed jasmine or white rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a healthier option, try it with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy make excellent vegetable accompaniments. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
How-to Summary
Cut and coat chicken in cornstarch, then pan-fry until golden. In the same pan, simmer honey, soy sauce, and garlic into a thick sauce. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until sticky and glazed. Garnish and serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillets? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and offer a juicier result. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
How can I make this dish less sweet? Reduce the honey to 1/4 cup and add an extra tablespoon of soy sauce. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice at the end for balancing acidity.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch? Yes, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder. For a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is also gluten-free (like tamari) if using flour.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can mix the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Give it a good shake before using.
My sauce isn’t getting sticky. What went wrong? The sauce needs a vigorous simmer to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Chicken: Moist chicken will steam instead of fry and won’t get crispy. Always pat it dry.
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too much chicken at once lowers the pan’s temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Cook in batches.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Sauté it only for 30 seconds before adding the liquids to prevent a bitter taste.
- Skipping the Garnish: The fresh parsley and green onions add crucial brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Conclusion
This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of crispy, golden chicken coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze is simply irresistible. By following this detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality dinner right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend feast.
