Description
Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Coat the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey garlic sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. For even cooking, ensure pieces are of uniform thickness.
2. Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Do not move it for 4-5 minutes to achieve a deep golden-brown crust. Flip and cook the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside on a plate.
3. Craft the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add chili flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Glaze and Finish: Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, turning each piece until fully glazed. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to adhere.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic meal, serve over a bed of steamed jasmine or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a healthy, colorful component. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness perfectly. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
How-to Summary
Season and pan-sear chicken until cooked through. Remove chicken, then in the same pan, sauté garlic and combine with honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to create a glossy sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, coat it in the sauce, and simmer briefly. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs are a great choice as they are more forgiving and stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
How can I make this sauce thicker? For a thicker glaze, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional minute.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce? Yes, for a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water to prevent the sauce from burning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can mix the sauce ingredients in advance. For best results, cook the chicken and prepare the sauce fresh, as reheated chicken can become tough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too much chicken at once steams it instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Sauté it on low heat just until fragrant before adding the liquid ingredients.
- Using High Heat for the Sauce: Simmer the sauce gently. Boiling it too hard can cause the honey to scorch and create a bitter taste.
- Skipping the Resting Step: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a perfect weeknight solution, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and salty soy creates an irresistible glaze that elevates simple chicken into a memorable meal. With its straightforward steps and flexible serving options, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the delicious results.