why make this recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe wins over everyone, from kids to adults, with its delicious sticky sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
how to make Amazing Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 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 chili flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
- Prepare Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken thighs, then cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Set aside.
- Make Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, combine 110g honey, 80ml chicken stock, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 4 cloves minced garlic, and ½ tsp chili flakes. In a separate small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with a splash of water to form a smooth slurry. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce mixture and whisk well until combined. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the seasoned chicken pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and seared. Transfer to a plate. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil, if needed, and repeat with the second batch of chicken until all pieces are beautifully browned. Remove from pan.
- Develop the Rich Honey Garlic Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce mixture into the skillet (whisk again first if cornstarch has settled). Stir continuously for 2-4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Combine and Serve: Return all cooked chicken to the skillet with the thickened sauce. Toss gently with tongs or a spatula until every piece is beautifully coated. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure chicken is heated through and the sauce clings. Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, ideally with boiled rice or your preferred side.
how to serve Amazing Honey Garlic Chicken
You can serve Honey Garlic Chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some fresh vegetables. It also goes well with noodles or even as a filling inside wraps. Garnish it with extra green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.
how to store Amazing Honey Garlic Chicken
To store your leftover Honey Garlic Chicken, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Amazing Honey Garlic Chicken
- Ensure the chicken is cut into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it helps thicken the sauce nicely.
- Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness or saltiness based on your preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.
variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for extra nutrition and color. Simply stir-fry them along with the chicken or add them to the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.
Is it possible to make it spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili flakes or even add fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a kick.
Can I use a substitute for honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you want a different sweetness. Keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces Trim excess fat before cutting
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 110 g honey
- 80 ml chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch Whisk with a splash of water to form a slurry
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil Divided
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into uniform 1-inch pieces. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
Make Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Whisk cornstarch with a splash of water and add to the mixture. Set aside.
Cook Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil and unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the chicken, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and repeat with remaining chicken.
Develop the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in the honey garlic sauce, and stir continuously for 2-4 minutes until thickened.
Combine and Serve
- Return chicken to the skillet and toss until coated. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter and garnish.