Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

$- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon cornstarch To make honey garlic chicken, you need chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Honey gives a nice sweetness. Soy sauce adds salt and umami. Minced garlic and ginger bring bold flavor. Olive oil helps cook the chicken well. Cornstarch thickens the sauce. - Salt and pepper - Green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance the dish's flavor. Green onions add a fresh touch. Sesame seeds give a nice crunch. - Substitutes for honey - Alternatives to soy sauce You can use maple syrup instead of honey. It gives a similar sweetness. For soy sauce, try tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos are another tasty choice. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the honey garlic sauce, start with a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Whisk these ingredients well. This sauce brings sweet and savory flavors together in one bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil heats, season 1 pound of chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown. After both sides are done, pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat to low to keep it warm. Next, create a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add this slurry to the skillet and stir well. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken and the chicken cook through. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove it from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and drizzle any remaining sauce over it. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. To cook chicken just right, the temperature matters. Use medium heat to sear the chicken. This helps it brown nicely. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. For pans, use a heavy skillet, like cast iron or stainless steel. These types hold heat well. They help create a nice sear on the chicken. Avoid non-stick pans for searing. They don't give the same browning effect. You can add spices to boost flavor. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Or, use black pepper for a bit of kick. If you want a deeper flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika. To adjust sweetness, add more honey if you like it sweeter. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of extra soy sauce. This adds saltiness and balances the taste. Honey garlic chicken pairs well with many sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. It soaks up the sweet sauce. You can also serve it with sautéed veggies for color and crunch. Another great option is a fresh salad. A green salad with a light dressing offers a nice contrast. Try a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to their powdered counterparts. Always opt for fresh! Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken. Garnish for Presentation: Adding sliced green onions and sesame seeds not only enhances the presentation but also adds a nice crunch and freshness to the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Here are two great ideas: - Honey garlic shrimp: Use fresh shrimp instead of chicken. Cook them until they turn pink and tender. The sweet sauce works well with shrimp. - Honey garlic tofu: For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and fry until golden. You can also make this dish fit different diets. Here are some options: - Gluten-free alternatives: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the flavor without gluten. - Low-carb variations: Serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This lowers the carbs while keeping it tasty. Change up how you serve this dish for variety: - Honey garlic chicken in wraps: Use lettuce leaves as wraps. Fill them with sliced chicken and sauce for a fun, fresh meal. - Serving over rice or noodles: This dish pairs well with white rice or noodles. Pour the honey garlic sauce over them for extra flavor. To store leftovers of honey garlic chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. I recommend glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze honey garlic chicken, portion it into smaller bags. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can. This keeps the chicken safe from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw it, place the bag in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the chicken moist. When reheating, you can use the oven or stovetop. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes. If you use the stovetop, heat it on low in a skillet. Add a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying. Stir often until warmed through. You can pair honey garlic chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Quinoa - Roasted vegetables - Stir-fried broccoli - Green salad These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. They add color and texture to your meal. You can also serve it with a simple coleslaw for crunch. Yes, you can prepare honey garlic chicken in advance. Here are some tips: - Marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight for more flavor. - Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. - You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. When ready to eat, just reheat the chicken on the stovetop or in the oven. This saves time on busy nights. You can tell if chicken is done by checking its color and temperature. Look for these signs: - The chicken should be golden brown on the outside. - Cut into the thickest part; the meat should be white, not pink. - Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). These tips ensure you serve safe and tasty chicken every time. You’ve learned how to make delicious honey garlic chicken with ease. We covered the main ingredients and extra tips for flavor. You can explore different proteins and dietary options, too. Proper storage and reheating methods keep your meal tasty. Enjoy your meals and feel confident trying new things in the kitchen. This recipe is a great way to impress friends and family. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!$

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

A delicious blend of sweet honey and savory garlic flavors with tender chicken thighs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
to taste salt and pepper
to taste green onions, sliced (for garnish)
to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the skillet and stir well to combine.
Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the chicken to cook through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Slice the chicken and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic