Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious dinner idea that everyone will love? This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients Needed for Honey Garlic Chicken

To make this Honey Garlic Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

To Serve:

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• Boiled rice

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Required

To prepare this recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board

Preparation Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Choose the Right Chicken: Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for a juicy texture. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but note that they may require less cooking time.
2. Proper Coating: Coat the chicken evenly with cornflour, salt, and pepper to create a light crust that absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
3. Keep the Garlic from Burning: Garlic can burn quickly, becoming bitter. Make sure to reduce the heat to medium when adding the garlic to the pan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place the chicken thighs in a mixing bowl. Add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken until it is fully coated with the mixture.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook them on one side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
3. Add Garlic and Butter:
   Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic and stir continuously to prevent it from burning. Reduce the heat to medium to keep the garlic from browning too quickly.
4. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir until well mixed.
5. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
   Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the pan. Increase the heat to high to bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink in the middle).
6. Finish and Serve:
   Sprinkle the chopped parsley and chili flakes over the chicken. Serve immediately over boiled rice for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken thighs are forgiving, but they can become tough if overcooked. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to maintain juiciness.
• Burning the Garlic: Adding garlic when the heat is too high can cause it to burn, turning it bitter. Always lower the heat to medium when adding garlic to the pan.
• Not Reducing the Sauce Enough: For a sticky, flavorful coating, let the sauce reduce until it reaches a syrup-like consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Garlic Chicken is best served over a bed of fluffy boiled rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a balanced meal, consider adding steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a pop of color and a hint of spice.

Variations and Swaps

• Swap Chicken Thighs for Breasts: You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs; just be aware they cook faster. Reduce cooking time accordingly to prevent the meat from drying out.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or snow peas during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
• Adjust the Sweetness: For a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or replace part of it with a sugar substitute.
• Make it Spicier: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture if you prefer a spicier dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To store leftovers, place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster than thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.

What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted in equal amounts for a slightly different flavor profile.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the middle.

Conclusion

Give this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favorite! If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more tasty, easy-to-follow recipes. Happy cooking!

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