When you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that hits all the right notes of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the answer. The tender, bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a light, crispy layer and then tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce that will leave you craving more. It’s a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can have this irresistible meal on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (peanut or vegetable)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ⅓ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar (or substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (choose gluten-free if necessary)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them thoroughly. Then, dredge the chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. If you prefer a spicy kick, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stirring until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce in the skillet, cooking over medium heat while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey garlic sauce, ensuring all pieces are well coated. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter at this point and stir until it melts.
- Serve: Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken hot over white rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy this delightful sweet and savory dish!
Conclusion:
Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a delicious choice for any weeknight dinner. Its easy preparation, combined with the crispy texture of the chicken and the sticky honey garlic sauce, makes it a favorite among both adults and children. Pair this chicken with rice or vegetables for a quick, tasty meal packed with flavor.
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken: A Perfect Weeknight Delight
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil peanut or vegetable
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ⅓ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce choose gluten-free if necessary
- A pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening the sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter optional, for added richness
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg lightly. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them thoroughly. Then, dredge the chicken in the cornstarch, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer and fry for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the honey, chicken broth, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. If you prefer a spicy kick, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stirring until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce in the skillet, cooking over medium heat while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey garlic sauce, ensuring all pieces are well coated. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter at this point and stir until it melts.
- Serve: Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken hot over white rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy this delightful sweet and savory dish!