Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Craving something savory with a hint of sweetness for dinner tonight? Look no further than this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! With its tender chicken thighs coated in a rich and flavorful sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce, this dish is guaranteed to please the entire family. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or just getting started in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. Stick with us as we take you through every step, including ingredients, substitutions, tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Let's dive into this irresistible recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

What is Honey Garlic Chicken?

Honey Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering dish made with tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection and coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken. Whether served over a bed of steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables, this dish offers a satisfying and wholesome meal for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Honey Garlic Chicken

Here's what you'll need to make this delectable dish:

For the Chicken:

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless): These provide the perfect juicy and tender base for the recipe.
• 2 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch): This helps give the chicken a light crispy coating when seared.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish.
• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used for searing the chicken and giving it a crispy, golden exterior.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to the dish and enhances the sauce's flavor.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 4 cloves minced garlic: The star of the sauce, adding a sharp, aromatic bite that balances the honey’s sweetness.
• 110 g (⅓ cup) honey: Provides the sticky sweetness that makes this dish so addictive.
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) chicken stock: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce: For that unmistakable umami flavor that ties the sauce together.

To Serve:

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby flavor and a pop of color to the final dish.
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes: For a subtle kick of heat (optional but recommended).
• Boiled rice: The perfect side to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is already incredibly delicious as is, there are several ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be drier, so you’ll need to watch the cooking time carefully to avoid overcooking. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor, just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Honey: If you’re vegan or avoiding honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave syrup. This will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
• Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Both will provide the necessary acidity.
• Chili Flakes: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili flakes or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let's break down the process of making this Honey Garlic Chicken into easy, step-by-step instructions so you can confidently cook it at home.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Start by patting the 8 chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up when cooked.
• In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoon cornflour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Dredge the chicken thighs in this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat 2 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your pan.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked yet, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

• In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once melted, toss in the 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the 110 g honey, 80 ml chicken stock, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

• Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, making sure each piece is well-coated with the honey garlic sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to fully cook through and the sauce to thicken further.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it up.

How to Cook Honey Garlic Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Honey Garlic Chicken is as easy as following these steps:

1. Prep the chicken: Coat the thighs in a cornflour mixture to ensure a crispy sear.
2. Sear the chicken: Searing the chicken gives it a golden, crispy exterior and locks in the juices.
3. Make the sauce: A quick honey garlic sauce is made right in the same pan, combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
4. Simmer the chicken in the sauce: This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overcrowding the pan: If you crowd the chicken in the pan, it won’t sear properly. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a nice golden crust.
2. Overcooking the chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, but be sure not to overcook them, or they’ll become dry.
3. Not thickening the sauce enough: Make sure the sauce reduces enough to become sticky and cling to the chicken. If it’s too thin, the flavors won’t stick.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A well-prepared dish deserves a beautiful presentation. Here are some tips to make your Honey Garlic Chicken meal look as great as it tastes:

• Serve the chicken on a bed of steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce.
• Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a pop of color and heat.
• For added texture and flavor, you can serve this dish with stir-fried vegetables or a light side salad.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is best served hot, straight from the pan. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, like steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles).

Presentation Ideas for Honey Garlic Chicken

• Serve the chicken in a shallow bowl with the sauce spooned over the top, and scatter some fresh parsley and chili flakes for visual appeal.
• You can also place the chicken over a mound of rice and drizzle the sauce around the edges for a more elegant presentation.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken is a hit:

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and a little honey for 30 minutes before cooking.
• For a thicker sauce, mix a bit more cornflour with water and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
• Don’t skip the sear: Searing the chicken adds texture and locks in the juices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time to avoid drying them out.

2. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking.

3. How can I store leftovers?

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan or microwave before serving.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and combine it with the pre-made sauce.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a versatile, delicious dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for something sweet, savory, and garlicky. Follow the step-by-step guide, avoid common mistakes, and use the tips provided to create a meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

Print