Honey Garlic Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken is a deliciously sticky and sweet dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. This dish is great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

• 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 110g (1/3 cup) honey
• 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp chilli flakes

Directions

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Season with ½ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper. Toss with 2 tbsp cornflour until lightly coated.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in batches (do not overcrowd) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Make Honey Garlic Sauce: To the same skillet, add 4 cloves minced garlic, 110g honey, 80ml chicken stock, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and ½ tsp chilli flakes. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens from the chicken’s cornflour coating and reduces.
4. Combine and Finish: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss gently until all pieces are thoroughly coated in the sticky sauce. Let simmer for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring sauce adheres well.
5. Serve: Garnish with 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over boiled rice.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve Honey Garlic Chicken hot, directly from the skillet. It goes very well over boiled rice, which helps soak up the sweet and savory sauce. You can add some steamed vegetables on the side to make it a complete meal.

How to Store Honey Garlic Chicken

To store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or over low heat on the stove.

Tips to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

• Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a better sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. This allows for even cooking and helps with browning.
• If you like it spicy, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add some chopped fresh chili peppers.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by using chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option. You can also switch out the honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can! Chicken breasts will work fine, but they may require a bit less cooking time.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free because it uses soy sauce. You can substitute with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).