why make this recipe
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a delicious dish that combines the rich flavors of honey and garlic with tender chicken. This recipe is great for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something tasty and impressive. The easy steps make it perfect for beginner cooks and busy families alike. Plus, the sticky glaze adds a delightful twist that everyone will enjoy!
how to make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for searing)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.33 cup honey (110g)
- 0.33 cup chicken stock (80ml)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- Cooked rice (for serving, jasmine or basmati preferred)
Directions:
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then set aside.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together minced garlic, ⅓ cup honey, ⅓ cup chicken stock, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, and optional ½ teaspoon chili flakes until smooth.
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 4 tablespoons cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set both mixtures aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once the butter stops foaming, add the chicken in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring.
- Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Return all seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the sticky glaze and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley, and serve over cooked rice.
how to serve Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Serve this dish hot over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice, which helps soak up the flavorful honey garlic glaze. You can also add steamed vegetables on the side to balance the meal and add some color to your plate.
how to store Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through before serving again.
tips to make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry to achieve a nice sear.
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of honey to your taste.
- Adding the cornstarch slurry gradually helps you control the thickness of the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes.
variation (if any)
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Additionally, feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli, to the skillet alongside the chicken for a one-pan meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than thighs.
2. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of light soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
3. How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce?
You can add a splash of citrus juice, like lime or lemon, to brighten the flavors. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or green onions, can also add a tasty touch.
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.33 cup honey (110g)
- 0.33 cup chicken stock (80ml)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped) for garnish
- to taste cooked rice (jasmine or basmati preferred)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then set aside.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together minced garlic, ⅓ cup honey, ⅓ cup chicken stock, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, and optional ½ teaspoon chili flakes until smooth.
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 4 tablespoons cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set both mixtures aside.
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Once the butter stops foaming, add the chicken in a single layer (do not overcrowd) and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring.
- Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly drizzle it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Return all seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the sticky glaze and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley, and serve over cooked rice.
