Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky and tender, the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe features boneless chicken thighs coated in a mouthwatering garlic, soy, and honey sauce. With minimal ingredients and only 20 minutes of cooking time, it’s both simple and satisfying. Whether served over rice or paired with vegetables, this dish is sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This dish takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this flavorful meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that fits any occasion.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich and irresistible flavor profile.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory taste of this honey garlic chicken.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. This will save you time and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan (skillet)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan (skillet): A good frying pan allows even cooking and browning of the chicken thighs.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for coating the chicken with cornflour evenly before cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your sauce.

Ingredients

Sticky tender boneless chicken thighs in a garlic, soy and honey sauce. Minimal ingredients, simple to prepare and ready in 20 minutes!

For the Chicken

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

For Garnish

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

To Serve

• Boiled rice

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the cornflour until fully coated.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Thighs

Add the coated chicken thighs to the pan. Cook on one side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Then turn over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Butter and Garlic

Add the unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt before adding minced garlic. Stir together while reducing heat to medium to prevent burning.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir until well mixed.

Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Pour the sauce into the pan with chicken. Increase heat until boiling, then simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens. Ensure chicken is cooked through (no longer pink).

Step 7: Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley and chilli flakes on top. Serve over boiled rice for a delicious meal!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Serving Honey Garlic Chicken is easy and versatile. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences.

Over Boiled Rice

• A classic choice, boiled rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce beautifully, creating a balanced meal.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing this chicken with steamed veggies adds color and nutrients to your plate. Broccoli or green beans work particularly well.

In a Wrap

• For a quick lunch or dinner, wrap the honey garlic chicken in a tortilla with some fresh greens and drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor.

On a Salad

• Slice the chicken over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad option. Add sesame seeds for crunch and flavor.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

To make your Honey Garlic Chicken truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Let the chicken marinate: If time allows, marinating the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes can deepen the flavor.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness.
• Monitor cooking time: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked by using a meat thermometer (165°F or 75°C).
• Garnish creatively: Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions can add freshness and elevate presentation.
• Experiment with heat: Adding more chili flakes can spice up your dish if you prefer a kick.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Choosing complementary side dishes can enhance your Honey Garlic Chicken experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful option that adds texture and complements the chicken’s sweetness.
2. Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or fried potatoes provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
3. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious choice that combines protein with fresh veggies for a healthy balance.
4. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky bread makes an indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with the dish’s flavors.
5. Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
6. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach offers vitamins while its mild flavor complements instead of overpowering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the cornflour coating: Not coating the chicken in cornflour can lead to a less tender texture. Always ensure the chicken is evenly coated for that perfect sticky finish.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter. Lower the heat after adding it to the pan to keep it fragrant and delicious.
• Ignoring sauce thickness: If you don’t simmer the sauce properly, it might remain too thin. Allow it to reduce until it clings well to the chicken.
• Using old chicken stock: Fresh stock enhances flavor significantly. Avoid using expired or stale stock for the best taste in your dish.
• Forgetting garnishes: Skipping parsley and chili flakes can make your dish look less appealing. Always garnish before serving for added color and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Label with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe:

How can I make my Honey Garlic Chicken spicier?

To add heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts may dry out quicker than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

Serve over boiled rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for meal prep and reheats well throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give it a try for a comforting dinner that’s sure to impress!