Description
Succulent honey garlic chicken brings together sweet and savory flavors from Chinese-American cuisine. Marinated tender chicken pieces glazed with a rich sauce create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then delicately dust with flour for a crisp exterior.
- Warm oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a rich golden-brown crust and ensuring thorough cooking. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic to the same skillet, gently sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
- Pour honey, soy sauce, and vinegar into the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow mixture to bubble and create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Whisk cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually add to the simmering sauce, continuously stirring until the sauce transforms into a glossy, thickened consistency.
- Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, gently turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the luxurious sauce. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, and optional red pepper flakes for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while warm and glistening.
Notes
- Flour coating creates a delightful crispy exterior that locks in moisture and helps the sauce cling better to the chicken.
- Use high-quality honey for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
- For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or almond flour and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce.
- Balance the sweetness by choosing a robust vinegar like apple cider or rice vinegar to add depth and cut through the honey’s intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg