Why Make This Recipe
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of honey and garlic. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, wrapped in a glossy, sticky glaze that pairs wonderfully with rice. This dish is sure to please family and friends alike.
How to Make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients :
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions :
Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
Craft the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chilli flakes. Whisk until well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron) over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Glaze and Finish: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat every piece in the sticky glaze. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve: Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
How to Serve Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish is best served hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. The rice soaks up the delicious honey garlic sauce, making every bite flavorful. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Tips to Make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
- Make sure to dry the chicken pieces well; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it helps thicken the sauce to the perfect glaze.
- For an extra kick, add more chilli flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Variation
You can switch up the protein by using boneless chicken breasts or even shrimp. If you prefer a vegetarian option, tofu can be used in place of chicken for a meat-free version.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may need less cooking time.
Is it necessary to use rice vinegar?
Rice vinegar adds a nice tang, but you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar if needed.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to eat.
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Quick and easy honey garlic chicken that’s tender and juicy, wrapped in a sticky glaze.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Craft the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chilli flakes. Whisk until well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron) over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Glaze and Finish: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat every piece in the sticky glaze. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Notes
Make sure to dry the chicken well for a better sear. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry for the perfect glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken recipe, easy dinner, quick meal