Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Are you looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is the perfect solution. With sticky, tender boneless chicken thighs in a savory garlic, soy, and honey sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy weeknights or a simple weekend meal that tastes better than takeout.

Ingredients Needed

For this delightful 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 minced garlic
• 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

To serve, you will need:

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

Kitchen Equipment

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

• Large frying pan (skillet)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepping the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and add the cornflour, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the cornflour until fully coated. This coating will help to create a crispy exterior on the chicken thighs when cooked.

2. Cooking the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook on one side until golden brown, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. The high heat helps to sear the chicken, locking in juices and flavor.

3. Making the Sauce

Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic and stir together. Reduce the heat to medium to prevent the garlic from burning. In a separate bowl, combine the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir the mixture well.

4. Combining Everything

Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the chicken. Increase the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens, and the chicken is cooked through (no longer pink in the middle).

Sprinkle the chopped parsley and chili flakes over the chicken and serve it hot over boiled rice.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure Your Chicken is Tender and Juicy: Chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe because they remain tender and juicy when cooked over high heat. If you prefer chicken breasts, slice them into thick strips or flatten them to ensure even cooking.
• Proper Sauce Reduction: To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure to bring the sauce to a boil before simmering. This helps to thicken the sauce and intensify the flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly if cooked at too high a temperature. Make sure to lower the heat when adding the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness by ensuring the chicken is no longer pink in the middle.

Variations and Swaps

• Ingredient Substitutions:
  • If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar with an additional 1/4 tsp of sugar.
  • If you don’t have light soy sauce, substitute with 3/4 tbsp of dark soy sauce.
  • Swap vegetable oil for any neutral-tasting oil suitable for high temperatures, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil.
• Additions:
  • For a bit of heat, add extra chili flakes or a splash of sriracha sauce.
  • Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your honey garlic chicken over a bed of boiled rice, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and chili flakes for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• To reheat, place the chicken on a baking tray and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes until piping hot throughout. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I replace the chicken thighs with chicken breast? Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken thighs are more tender and can withstand high heat cooking without drying out, but chicken breasts work well too. Slice the chicken breasts into thick strips or flatten them with a rolling pin to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari and ensuring that your chicken stock and rice vinegar are gluten-free.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes, honey garlic chicken can be frozen. Although the chicken might not be as tender after freezing, it will still taste great. Cook the dish, cool it quickly, and then freeze it. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes until piping hot.

Conclusion

Enjoy this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe and experience a meal that’s better than takeout! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to our blog for more fantastic recipes and cooking tips.

Print