Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Sticky Sweet Perfection
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever get a craving for takeout but want something actually tasty and good for you? Honestly, chicken recipes with honey and garlic are where it's at! This Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken recipe is sticky, sweet, and guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Brief Overview
Inspired by your favorite Chinese American takeout dishes, this dish brings the flavor home. This recipe is easy, taking about 35 minutes. It serves 4 people, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and is a healthier alternative to takeout. It’s a fantastic meal for a weeknight dinner and special because of that amazing honey chicken sauce .
Plus, who doesn’t love a sticky, sweet, and savory combo? I know I do.
Looking for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken that is also easy to make? You're in the right place. This recipe provides an Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner you and your loved ones will enjoy!
Now, let's talk about what you'll need to make this magic happen! Here's a right proper list of ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right then, let's talk about what you need for these chicken recipes with honey and garlic. Don't worry, it's not rocket science! We're going to whip up some proper honey garlic chicken that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe will be a new family favorite.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Chicken Thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) , boneless and skinless. Honestly, quality matters here. Get decent chicken, not that watery rubbish from the back of the freezer.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15ml) . This helps the chicken get crispy.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) .
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) .
- Honey: 1/4 cup (60ml) . This is crucial.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) , low sodium is a good shout.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tbsp (30ml) .
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. The more garlic, the better, I reckon!
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Ginger: 1 tsp (5ml) , grated. Fresh is always best, innit?
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) . Only if you like a bit of a kick, yeah?
- Cornstarch Slurry: 1 tbsp (15ml) water mixed with 1 tsp (5ml) cornstarch. This thickens the sauce.
- Green Onion: 1 green onion , thinly sliced. For garnish.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: YOU!
The honey and garlic are the main deal. This honey chicken sauce is just unreal!. Don't skimp on the garlic! The soy sauce adds saltiness, and rice vinegar adds a tang.
Sesame oil gives it that proper Chinese takeaway taste. Red pepper flakes are optional, but I love a bit of heat.
This is by far the best honey garlic chicken .
If you're missing rice vinegar, white wine vinegar will do in a pinch. For a honey garlic chicken stir fry , try adding some five spice powder for extra depth.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Large Skillet or Wok: You need something big enough to cook all the chicken.
- Mixing Bowls: For tossing the chicken and mixing the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Pretty obvious, yeah?
- Whisk: For the sauce.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping the chicken and garlic.
Don't have a wok? A big frying pan will do just fine. You don't need any fancy gadgets for this easy honey garlic chicken dinner .
A good old wooden spoon works just as well as a fancy whisk. Just have fun! This will be a quick honey garlic chicken recipe .
Cooking Method: Searing Your Way to Honey Garlic Goodness
Alright, let's talk searing. It’s not just for fancy chefs, honestly! It’s the secret to best honey garlic chicken that’s perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
I’m going to walk you through getting that gorgeous, golden brown crust on your chicken, because let’s be honest, nobody wants pale and flabby chicken.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks (and Chicken) in a Row
First things first, mise en place, as they say in posh restaurants. Basically, get everything ready before you even think about turning on the hob.
Chop your 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs into 1 inch pieces. Mix the 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a bowl, ready to coat the chicken.
Have your honey garlic sauce ingredients (1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes) prepped and waiting.
This saves a heck of a lot of time, trust me.
Oh, and a safety reminder: always wash your hands after handling raw chicken. We don’t want any nasty germs ruining our easy honey garlic chicken dinner , do we?
step-by-step: Searing to Perfection
- Coat the Chicken: Toss your chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture. This is the magic that helps it get crispy.
- Heat the Pan: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to a large skillet or wok and heat over medium high heat. Make sure it's hot!
- Sear in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan, guv’nor! Sear the chicken in a single layer, about 5- 7 minutes per side. This is crucial for proper browning. Think golden, not grey!
- Check for Doneness: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Invest in a meat thermometer; it's a game changer.
- Add the Sauce: Pour your delicious honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken.
- Simmer and Thicken: Let it simmer for 2- 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if you fancy.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Searing Game
Here’s a secret: Pat your chicken dry with kitchen paper before coating it. This helps it brown better. Seriously. Also, don't overcook the honey chicken sauce .
It should coat the chicken, not turn into toffee.
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan. Be patient, work in batches, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly seared sticky garlic chicken .
If you're in a rush, the sauce can be made a day ahead, saving you some time the day of.
Now you know a quick honey garlic chicken recipe to rock.
Recipe Notes for Bangin' Chicken Recipes with Honey and Garlic
Right, let's talk shop about this Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken . It's more than just slapping some ingredients together, yeah? It's about creating something you actually want to eat again and again.
Honestly, I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep! It really is the Best Honey Garlic Chicken ever.
Serving It Up Like a Pro
Okay, so you’ve got your gorgeous, sticky chicken. What next? For plating, think colourful! A pile of fluffy rice is a must.
Then, a sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This just makes it look proper fancy.
For sides, you can't go wrong with steamed broccoli or some stir fried veg. A light, crisp salad also cuts through the richness nicely.
As for drinks? A cold beer or a glass of crisp white wine. Sorted.
Storing and Saving for Later
If you've got leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), pop the Honey And Garlic Chicken into an airtight container. It'll happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Fancy making a big batch for easy meals? Freezing is your friend! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions.
When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in a pan or microwave. Make sure it's piping hot, guv'nor!
Mix It Up!
Feeling adventurous? Let's talk variations! Wanting it lighter? try Honey Chicken Sauce with chicken breast instead of thighs.
For a veggie option, try it with tofu. It soaks up all that lovely sauce. Seasonally, think about using different herbs.
In summer, fresh basil is amazing! In winter, a little rosemary adds warmth.
Nutrition: The Down Low
Alright, a quick word about the good stuff inside. This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner gives you a good whack of protein, thanks to the chicken.
Honey gives you a little energy kick.
It's not exactly a health food, but it's also not the worst thing you could eat. The estimated Calories is approximately 400 . everything in moderation, yeah?
So there you have it! All the tips and tricks for making this Sticky Garlic Chicken a roaring success. Get in the kitchen and have a go! You'll wonder why you have not tried the Honey garlic chicken thighs recipe sooner!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time, like a proper batch cook for the week?
Absolutely! The honey garlic chicken can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, gently reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Just be aware that the sauce might thicken a bit upon refrigeration, so you might need to add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it up.
What's the best way to store leftover honey garlic chicken, and how long will it last?
Leftover honey garlic chicken is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will generally keep for 3-4 days. Make sure it's cooled down completely before refrigerating. If you fancy stretching things out a bit, you can freeze it, where it will last for up to 2-3 months.
Ensure you use a freezer safe container.
Is there a healthier alternative to some of the ingredients in these chicken recipes with honey and garlic?
You bet! To make this recipe healthier, you can use low-sodium soy sauce, which reduces the salt content significantly. You could also reduce the amount of honey slightly or use a natural sweetener like stevia in smaller quantities (though this will alter the flavor profile).
Using chicken breast instead of thighs will cut down on the fat content as well.
I don't have rice vinegar, is there a good substitute I can use in this chicken recipes with honey and [garlic]?
Not to worry, there are a few substitutes you can use for rice vinegar! White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar would both work well in a pinch. You could also use lemon or lime juice, but bear in mind these options will change the flavor slightly, adding a bit more zing!
Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it for a smokier flavor?
You certainly can! Grilling the chicken will add a delicious smoky flavour. Marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Be careful not to char the chicken too much, as the honey in the sauce can burn easily.
Keep a close eye and turn frequently!
My sauce isn't thickening up! What am I doing wrong with these chicken recipes with honey and garlic?
No worries, this is a common kitchen kerfuffle! First, make sure you're using a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water). If you added it directly, it might clump up. Also, ensure you're simmering the sauce, not just keeping it on low heat.
Give it a good simmer, and the cornstarch should activate and thicken things up nicely. If it's still not thickening, mix a tiny bit more cornstarch with cold water and add it gradually, stirring constantly until you get the right consistency.
Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Sticky Sweet Perfect
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 0g |
