Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Sticky, tender, and flavorful, this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers. With minimal ingredients and just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll enjoy the sweet and savory harmony of honey, garlic, and soy sauce that makes this dish better than takeout.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For the Sauce
• To Serve
• How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Combine Everything
• Step 5: Finish & Serve
• How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
• Over Boiled Rice
• With Steamed Vegetables
• On a Bed of Noodles
• Accompanied by a Fresh Salad
• Topped with Sesame Seeds
• With a Side of Pickles
• How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
• Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe healthier?
• Can I use another protein in this recipe?
• What sides pair well with Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
• Is this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe kid-friendly?
• How can I customize my Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up without much fuss.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect over boiled rice or served with vegetables; you can customize it to your liking.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a deliciously sticky sauce that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe holds well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your cooking experience is seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some items that will make preparing this dish easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan (skillet)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan (skillet): Provides ample space to cook the chicken evenly while allowing room for the sauce to reduce.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for tossing the chicken with cornflour and seasonings before cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring ingredients like honey and soy sauce for balanced flavor.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching your pan’s surface.

Ingredients

Sticky tender boneless chicken thighs in a garlic, soy and honey sauce. Minimal ingredients, simple to prepare and ready in 20 minutes!

For the Chicken

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Sauce

• 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
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes

To Serve

• boiled rice

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl.
2. Add cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper.
3. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
2. Add the coated chicken thighs to the pan.
3. Cook one side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
4. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add unsalted butter to the pan; let it melt.
2. Stir in minced garlic carefully so it doesn’t burn.
3. In a separate bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce; stir well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Pour the sauce into the pan with chicken.
2. Increase heat until boiling; then reduce to simmer.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and chilli flakes just before serving.
2. Serve over boiled rice for a complete meal!

This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only simple but also packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Serving Honey Garlic Chicken is a great way to impress your family and friends. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, enhancing its flavors and presentation.

Over Boiled Rice

• A classic pairing that absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Brighten your plate with steamed broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Serve over rice noodles or egg noodles for a comforting twist on the dish.

Accompanied by a Fresh Salad

• A light salad with cucumber, carrots, and sesame dressing can provide a refreshing contrast.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

With a Side of Pickles

• Pickles can add a tangy crunch that balances the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.

How to Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe, follow these tips for perfecting this dish.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried alternatives.
• Adjust sweetness: You can modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference; less honey will yield a more savory dish.
• Cook chicken evenly: Ensure that the chicken thighs are similar in size for uniform cooking.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain moisture and improves flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs for an extra kick in taste.
• Proper storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for best freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy rice that complements the sticky sauce perfectly.
2. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: A quick stir-fry adds crunch and bright green color.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic work wonderfully with the sweet sauce.
4. Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil and roast until tender for a healthy side.
5. Cucumber Salad: A simple salad with sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar brings freshness.
6. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious quinoa tossed with vegetables makes a filling addition.
7. Egg Fried Rice: Turn leftover rice into egg fried rice for a satisfying side full of flavor.
8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can round out your meal nicely, adding warmth and comfort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking the Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the chicken: Always ensure that you cook the chicken just until it is no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Skipping the cornflour coating: This step is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly to lock in moisture and flavor.
• Burning the garlic: When adding garlic, reduce the heat to medium immediately after adding it to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can ruin the sauce’s flavor.
• Not letting the sauce thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough for it to reduce and coat the chicken well. Patience is key for rich flavor.
• Using low-quality honey: The quality of honey affects the taste of your dish. Opt for pure honey for a more intense flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals (1 minute), checking often until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet on medium heat, add a splash of water or oil, and stir until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe healthier?

You can use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, or opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Adding more vegetables can also boost nutrition.

Can I use another protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp or tofu as alternatives to chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What sides pair well with Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Is this Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The sweet and savory flavors appeal to many kids. It’s also easy to customize based on their preferences.

How can I customize my Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe?

You can add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking or adjust the spice level by varying chili flakes.

Final Thoughts

The Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is not only quick and easy, but it also delivers delicious flavors that rival takeout dishes. Feel free to customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your taste preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful homemade dinner!