Honey Garlic Chicken: Sticky Sweet Perfection!
Table of Contents
Alright, let's dive into something tasty! Ever had one of those days where only comfort food will do?
Craving That Sweet and Savory Fix?
This honey garlic chicken recipe is your answer. Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl. Sticky, sweet, garlicky, and utterly moreish. You know? It's that kind of dish!
From Takeout Dreams to Your Table
This honey garlic chicken has roots in chinese american cuisine. think takeout, but way better. it's dead easy to make. we’re talking about 35- 50 minutes from start to finish.
It serves about 4 hungry peeps.
The Good Stuff In Garlic Chicken Recipes
Chicken's a great source of lean protein, of course! but it's the garlic chicken sauce that's the real star, with honey adding a touch of natural sweetness.
This recipe is a fantastic way to get a good dose of flavour without tons of salt.
Why This Recipe Rocks
It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. it's also fantastic for casual get-togethers. seriously, everyone loves easy honey garlic chicken .
Plus, it's super customisable! next, let's round up the ingredients!. you will need boneless chicken thigh recipes
Okay, let's dive into the nitty gritty! we're making honey garlic chicken , so getting the ingredients just right is key.
Honestly, having good quality stuff makes a huge difference, even if it's just for a simple midweek meal!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let’s Get This Show on the Road!
This easy honey garlic chicken recipe needs a few key players. don't worry if you don't have exactly everything. we can sub a few things out! i always say, cooking is an adventure.
Main Ingredients: Let's Talk Chicken, Honey and More
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 1.5 lbs (680g) , cut into bite sized pieces. Quality is important! Look for thighs that are plump, pink, and don't smell funky. Trust me, it makes all the difference in the end result of your garlic chicken.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml) for the chicken marinade and 1/4 cup (60ml) for the sauce. I prefer low sodium, but whatever floats your boat, you know?
- Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15ml) for the chicken and 1 tbsp (8g) for thickening the sauce. This is the secret to that lovely, sticky texture.
- Ground Ginger: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) for the chicken. Fresh is great, but ground works in a pinch.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) . A little goes a long way.
- Honey: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Use a good quality honey for the best flavour!
- Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Low sodium is always a good shout.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Adds a nice tang! If you haven't got any then apple cider vinegar works fine.
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic is ESSENTIAL here. It's garlic chicken after all!.
- Sesame Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Adds a nutty, authentic flavour.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 tsp (5ml) (optional). Only if you want a bit of a kick, you know?
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) . For frying the chicken.
- Sesame Seeds and Green Onions: (optional) for garnish.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (and Chicken!)
The magic's in the sauce! soy sauce, honey, and garlic? perfect combo. i love adding a touch of sesame oil for that authentic chinese honey garlic chicken taste.
Don't be afraid to tweak things to your liking!.
- Essential Spice Combinations : Garlic + Ginger + Soy sauce is what it is all about.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Sesame oil and red pepper flakes do the trick.
- Quick Substitution Options : Don't have rice vinegar? Apple cider vinegar does the trick.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this! Just the basics will do. I've been making boneless chicken thigh recipes for years and I'm telling you, keep it simple.
- Large bowl: For marinating the chicken.
- Whisk: For the honey garlic sauce.
- Large skillet or wok: I use my cast iron skillet.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Gotta get those measurements right!.
Honestly, this honey garlic chicken recipe is dead easy, especially if you're looking for garlic chicken recipes
Okay, let's do this. here's a snippet of an article about honey garlic chicken . i'll try to channel my inner cook and make it sound like i'm actually chatting with you in my kitchen.
Cooking Up the Best Honey Garlic Chicken: Your New Fave Weeknight Meal
Honestly, finding that perfect garlic chicken recipe can be a bit of a mission, can't it? i've tried so many.
Some are too bland, some are too sweet, and some just don't work. but this honey garlic chicken recipe ? it's a winner.
It's super easy, quick and tastes amazing. think of it as your new go-to recipe. you will want to try this easy honey garlic chicken recipe!
It delivers that sticky, sweet savoury goodness we all crave. i mean, who can resist the allure of perfectly glazed chicken? it’s definitely a crowd pleaser.
Plus, it's pretty healthy. i think it's a great way to get a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe gives the usual boneless chicken thigh recipes a new tasty makeover!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic!
First things first, let’s get organised. essential mise en place is key. it’s all about having everything prepped before you even turn on the hob.
Chop your garlic, measure out your honey garlic chicken marinade ingredients. basically, get all of your ducks in a row, as my granny would say.
Oh my gosh, i love her tips!.
Time saving tip? Use a garlic press. Seriously, it's a game changer. And remember, safety first. Watch those fingers when you're chopping! No one wants a trip to A&E.
Let's Get Cooking: The step-by-step
Here's the simple process to get the most delicious honey garlic chicken stir fry :
- Toss 1.5 lbs of cubed chicken thighs with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, ginger, and pepper. Marinate 15 mins.
- Whisk together the honey garlic sauce: 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add chicken.
- Cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and simmer.
- Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water. Add to the pan.
- Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1- 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with rice!
The perfect Chinese honey garlic chicken recipe made simple!
Pro Tips and Tricks
Want to take your sticky honey garlic chicken to the next level? don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken.
It steams instead of searing. also, don't burn the garlic. burnt garlic equals bitter sauce. and if you want to prep ahead, marinate the chicken for longer it just gets more flavorful.
This honey garlic chicken with rice will leave everyone wanting more!
Right then, let's talk recipe notes for this amazing honey garlic chicken recipe . honestly, these are the bits that make a good recipe great .
They're like the secret sauce to, well, the secret sauce!
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Honey Garlic Chicken
Serving Up Style: Presentation is Key, My Friends
How you plate your honey garlic chicken matters! a simple sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped spring onions instantly elevates it.
Think about serving it over fluffy rice. or why not try cauliflower rice for a lower carb option? for drinks, i think a crisp lager works a treat.
Storage Savvy: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? no worries! this garlic chicken keeps well. pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing is an option, too! just let it cool completely first. reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Tweak It Till You Make It: Variations Galore
Fancy a twist? you got it! for a gluten-free version, swap the soy sauce for tamari. need a bit of spice? add a pinch more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of sriracha.
And for all the boneless chicken thigh recipes connoisseurs out there, swap in breasts if that's your jam. honestly i had a moment when trying out the chinese honey garlic chicken recipe where i thought of using orange zest.
Maybe you should consider adding it next time!
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, i'm no nutritionist, but let's keep it real. this easy honey garlic chicken is packed with protein from the chicken, which is great for muscle building.
The garlic is a known immune booster bonus! just be mindful of the sugar content from the honey garlic chicken marinade and portion sizes.
So there you have it! my top tips for making this sticky honey garlic chicken recipe your own. don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.
After all, that's what cooking is all about. now, go forth and create some culinary magic! i believe in you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this honey garlic chicken recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The honey garlic chicken is great for meal prep. Cook it completely, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave it's like getting a delicious takeaway, but healthier and cheaper!
My honey garlic sauce isn't thickening up. What am I doing wrong?
This usually means the cornstarch slurry wasn't mixed properly or the heat wasn't high enough. Make sure the cornstarch and water are thoroughly combined before adding it to the sauce, forming a smooth, lump free mixture. Also, ensure the sauce is simmering gently when you add the slurry.
You can always add a touch more cornstarch mixed with water if needed, but do it gradually a little goes a long way, like a pinch of salt!
What's the best way to store leftover honey garlic chicken?
To store leftover honey garlic chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness and prevent the chicken from drying out.
You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2 months), just be aware the sauce texture might change slightly upon thawing - think of it like freezing a Sunday roast, the gravy might look different but still tastes great!
I'm watching my sodium intake. Can I still enjoy this honey garlic chicken recipe?
Definitely! The key is to use low-sodium soy sauce or even tamari, which often has less sodium. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce slightly and compensate with a little extra chicken broth or rice vinegar. Remember, you can always add a dash of salt later if needed, but you can't take it away.
It's like baking a cake getting the balance right is key!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this honey garlic chicken?
Yes, you can, but be mindful of cooking times. Chicken breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. Cut the chicken breasts into even sized pieces and avoid overcooking them. Consider marinating the chicken for a bit longer to help keep them moist and maybe lower the heat a tad, just like a slow and steady wins the race kind of thing!
Any tips for making this honey garlic chicken even tastier?
Absolutely! Don't skimp on the fresh garlic freshly minced garlic makes a big difference. A dash of ginger, either fresh or powdered, also adds a lovely warmth. For an extra layer of flavour, try adding a tiny bit of toasted sesame oil right at the end.
These little touches can elevate the dish from good to "Wow, this is brilliant!", a bit like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your chilli, that unexpected depth.
Honey Garlic Chicken Sticky Sweet Perfection
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 calories |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 800mg |