This honey garlic chicken recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With tender chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor. Follow the easy steps to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 280 calories, 12g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. This is calculated for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
4. Add the chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully coated.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
10. Serve hot over rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. Additionally, maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. This dish can be frozen for up to three months, but the sauce may separate upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- Ensure your marinade is well-balanced; adjust honey and soy sauce to taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/74°C).
- Don’t skip marinating; it enhances flavor significantly.
- Avoid using high heat; it can burn the sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for juiciness.
- Try adding sesame seeds for extra crunch.
- Experiment with adding chili flakes for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accurate readings.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for several hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
What if I don’t have soy sauce?
If you don’t have soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative, or even make a homemade version using broth and spices.
Conclusion
This honey garlic chicken recipe is an easy and delicious way to impress your family and friends. With its sweet and savory sauce, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite!
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken thighs in honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade.
- Add chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Pour reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
- Serve hot over rice or vegetables.