Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Short Description

Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines the rich, savory taste of garlic with the sweet, sticky goodness of honey. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and umami flavors. Whether you prefer it pan-fried, baked, or slow-cooked, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like honey, garlic, soy sauce, and chicken, this dish requires minimal effort to prepare.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Versatile Cooking Methods – Can be cooked in a skillet, oven, slow cooker, or air fryer.
• Family-Friendly – A mild yet flavorful dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

• Chicken (boneless or bone-in, skin-on or skinless)
• Honey
• Garlic (freshly minced)
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil or butter
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
• Water
• Salt and pepper
• Green onions (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• If using boneless chicken, slice it into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and water.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

For Skillet Cooking:

• Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

For Oven-Baking:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and pour the honey garlic sauce over it.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce.

For Slow Cooker:

• Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it.
• Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until tender.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

• Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
• If using cornstarch slurry, stir it in and continue cooking until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
• Return the chicken to the pan and coat it with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

• Transfer the chicken to a serving plate.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve with steamed rice, vegetables, or noodles.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Crispy Chicken: Coat the chicken in flour or cornstarch before pan-frying for a crispy texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower and follow the same cooking method.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time—bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through.

What type of honey works best?

Any raw or regular honey works well, but avoid overly thick crystallized honey.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for extra heat.

What side dishes go well with honey garlic chicken?

Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, mashed potatoes, or noodles pair beautifully.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

Can I bake instead of pan-fry?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative with great results.

Will the sauce thicken naturally?

Yes, but adding a cornstarch slurry can speed up the process.

Can I double the sauce recipe?

Definitely! Extra sauce is great for drizzling over rice or vegetables.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that is easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you choose to cook it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that will impress your family and guests. Try this recipe today and enjoy a satisfying homemade meal!

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