Honey Garlic Chicken is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas that invite everyone to the dinner table. This sweet and savory concoction tantalizes your taste buds and fills your kitchen with the irresistible scent of garlic and honey.
Why We Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
What sets Honey Garlic Chicken apart is its perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of honey complements the saltiness of soy sauce and the spiciness from Sriracha, creating a delightful marinade that envelops tender chicken pieces. The garlic not only adds depth but also infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile, quick to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. This means you can whip it up for a busy weekday dinner or impress guests with a flavorful dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients about Honey Garlic Chicken
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 to 2.5 lbs chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 to 2 Tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp corn starch (for thickening)
- 2 Tbsp cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Chives (optional garnish)
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Directions
Making Honey Garlic Chicken is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you need a delicious meal fast. Here’s how to prepare it:
Begin by preparing the sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of filtered water, 1/3 cup of low sodium soy sauce, 1/3 cup of honey, 1 to 2 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, making sure to stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.
While the sauce is heating up, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small dish until it’s well dissolved. Once your sauce reaches a boil, gently pour this mixture into the saucepan. The corn starch will help thicken your sauce. Stir constantly until you notice the sauce begin to thicken. After reaching the desired consistency, reduce the heat to low to keep it warm while you cook the chicken.
Next, you will prepare the chicken. In a large zip-top bag, add your cut-up chicken pieces. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of corn starch. Seal the bag tightly and shake it well until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated in corn starch. This coating will give your chicken a nice crispy texture when cooked.
Heat a tablespoon (or more if needed) of cooking oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than frying. Sauté the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes per batch.
After all the chicken is cooked, take the warm sauce and pour it over the chicken in the pan. Toss everything to ensure that the chicken is fully coated in that delicious honey-garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your Honey Garlic Chicken is ready to be served! Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that amazing sauce. For an attractive finishing touch, you can garnish your dish with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions.
This method guarantees a delightful meal that is not only tasty but also visually appealing, making it perfect for both everyday dining and special occasions.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken
Once you’ve prepared your Honey Garlic Chicken, it’s all about the presentation and pairing. This dish is best served hot over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up the honey garlic sauce and balancing out the flavors.
You can elevate your serving by adding steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or snap peas, alongside the chicken. This not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also incorporates some nutritious elements into your meal.
For added texture and flair, garnish your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and finely chopped chives. The sesame seeds offer a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey, while the chives add a fresh, oniony crunch. Serve with chopsticks or forks, and watch as your family or guests delight in this comforting meal.
Expert Tips: Honey Garlic Chicken
Choosing Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and easy chewing. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Managing Spice Levels: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha and adjust to your liking. You can always add more later if desired.
Mixing Cornstarch: Make sure your cornstarch is well-dissolved in cold water to avoid lumps in your sauce. This will ensure a silky-smooth texture.
Cooking Method: For a healthier approach, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of frying. If you choose this method, still coat the chicken with corn starch for that crispy outcome.
Making Ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for a week or freeze it for longer storage. This allows for a quick weeknight dinner when you’re short on time.
How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken
If by chance you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely), you can store your Honey Garlic Chicken for future enjoyment. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the dish for up to 3 days, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorsome.
If you want to save it for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Store the chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Variations of Honey Garlic Chicken
The beauty of Honey Garlic Chicken lies in its adaptability. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs:
Vegetable Add-ins: Stir in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas when cooking the chicken. This adds nutrition and enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a completely different flavor experience. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially with shrimp and beef, which will cook faster than chicken.
Sauce Variations: Experiment with the sauce! Add ginger for a bit of warmth or use different types of honey for varying sweetness levels. You could also try adding a splash of lime juice for some tanginess.
Serving Alternatives: Instead of rice, serve your Honey Garlic Chicken over quinoa, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Garlic Chicken?
Honey Garlic Chicken is a dish made primarily with chicken breast, coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
How can I make Honey Garlic Chicken healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts, smaller amounts of honey, and opting for baking or air-frying instead of frying. Incorporating vegetable sides also boosts the nutritional value of the meal.
Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time for easier cooking later. Leftovers can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Large Non-Stick Pan
- Zip-top Bag
Ingredients
- 2 to 2.5 lbs. chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 to 2 Tbsp. Sriracha sauce adjust based on your spice preference
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. corn starch for thickening
- 2 Tbsp. cold water to mix with cornstarch
- sesame seeds optional garnish
- chives optional garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small dish, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until dissolved. Once the sauce boils, add this mixture to the saucepan and stir until thickened. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
- In a large zip-top bag, add chicken pieces and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cornstarch. Seal and shake until coated.
- Heat oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken in batches, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
- Pour the warm sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chives if desired.
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