If you’re looking for a dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further than honey garlic chicken. This dish features tender boneless chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and honey. With minimal ingredients and just 20 minutes of cooking time, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout without any of the hassle.
The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a beautiful glaze that not only enhances the flavor of the chicken but also delivers that sought-after stickiness that makes this dish so irresistible. The garlic adds a fragrant touch, making every bite a delightful experience. Serve this over a bed of fluffy boiled rice, and you’ve got yourself a meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This honey garlic chicken recipe is fantastic for several reasons:
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have dinner on the table in under half an hour.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to create this stunning dish, making it budget-friendly and straightforward.
- Versatile Pairing: It pairs wonderfully with various sides, from boiled rice to stir-fried vegetables or noodles.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep or casual family dinners.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This honey garlic chicken relies on a few key ingredients that combine to create its signature flavor:
- Chicken Thighs: Use 8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor. You could substitute with chicken breasts, but thighs tend to be more tender and juicy.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch): Two tablespoons helps to coat the chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior. This can be omitted but may affect the final texture.
- Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying. You may also use canola or sunflower oil.
- Butter: One tablespoon adds richness to the sauce but ensures you melt it carefully to avoid burning.
- Minced Garlic: Four cloves deliver that necessary punch of flavor.
- Honey: A third of a cup for sweetness and stickiness. Maple syrup could be a suitable alternative, although the flavor will change slightly.
- Chicken Stock: It’s ideal for a flavorful sauce; you may substitute with vegetable stock for a lighter option.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity. If unavailable, consider using apple cider vinegar with a hint of sugar.
- Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce is best; replace it with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Parsley and Chilli Flakes: These are optional for garnish but add a nice touch of color and a hint of heat.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken
Creating this delicious honey garlic chicken is simpler than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Start by placing the chicken thighs in a bowl and adding 2 tablespoons of cornflour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Toss the chicken until it’s fully coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, cooking on one side for about 4-5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Next, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan. Allow it to melt before adding 4 cloves of minced garlic. Stir gently, reducing the heat to medium to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Now, prepare the sauce by combining 1/3 cup of honey, 1/3 cup of chicken stock, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce in a bowl. Stir this mixture well.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Increase the heat and bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and chilli flakes before serving over boiled rice.
Expert Tips for Success
- For an extra crispy exterior, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after coating in cornflour before cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the garlic while it cooks; it can quickly turn from golden to burnt.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey based on your taste preference.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chilli flakes or fresh sliced chillies into the sauce.
Variations
The beauty of honey garlic chicken lies in its versatility. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Vegetables: Stir-fry broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the skillet before adding the chicken for a one-pan meal.
- Sweet and Sour: Add a splash of pineapple juice or diced pineapples into the sauce for a sweet and sour variation.
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: For a spicy version, incorporate some sriracha or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
- Herb-Infused: Use fresh ginger or a hint of lime zest for a more aromatic profile.
Serving Suggestions
To complete your meal, consider pairing this honey garlic chicken with:
- Boiled Rice: The classic choice! White, brown, or jasmine rice all work beautifully.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A vegetable medley can add nutrition and color to your plate.
- Noodles: Serve it over noodles for a different texture and taste experience.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance the richness of the chicken.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
This honey garlic chicken is perfect for leftovers:
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While it can be frozen, the chicken may lose some tenderness. Freeze in a container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 12-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast can be used, but it may result in a slightly drier texture. Cut the breast into thick strips for quicker cooking.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure the chicken stock is gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and quickly cook them during the meal.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?
This dish pairs well with boiled rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles. Adding a fresh salad on the side for crunch is also an excellent choice.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 110 g honey (1/3 cup)
- 80 ml chicken stock (1/3 cup)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
- boiled rice
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the cornflour until fully coated.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan (skillet) over a high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, and cook on one side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes), then turn over and cook for a further 2 minutes.
- Add the butter to the pan, let it melt, then add the garlic and stir together. Turn the heat down to medium so the garlic doesn't burn, then make the sauce.
- To make the sauce, combine the honey, stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce in a bowl and stir together.
- Add the sauce to the pan. Turn the heat up and bring the sauce to the boil, then simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens, and the chicken is cooked through (and no longer pink in the middle).
- Sprinkle on the chopped parsley and chilli flakes and serve over boiled rice.
