Introduction
Honey Garlic Chicken is the undisputed champion of weeknight dinners. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, enveloped in a thick, irresistibly sticky glaze. While its exact origins are debated, combining the rich flavors of Asian soy sauce and ginger with Western staples like honey and vinegar has made it a beloved, modern fusion dish globally. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor payoff, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- **Chicken:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approx. 600g / 1.3 lbs)
- **Seasoning:** Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- **Oil:** 1 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil (15 ml)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced
- **Honey:** 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup (60 ml) – use low sodium if preferred
- **Vinegar:** 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
- **Water:** 2 Tbsp (30 ml)
- **Thickener:** 1 tsp cornstarch (5g) mixed with 1 Tbsp cold water (cornstarch slurry)
- **Optional Garnish:** Sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Step-by-step Preparation
-
**Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
Tip: Ensure the chicken is room temperature before cooking to promote even searing.
-
**Sear the Chicken:** Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat.
- **Sauté the Garlic:** Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the pan drippings and sauté for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- **Make the Sauce:** Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar in the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
**Thicken and Glaze:** Whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) one last time and pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens significantly and becomes glossy, usually within 1–2 minutes.
Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- **Combine:** Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Turn the chicken pieces to fully coat them in the sticky honey garlic glaze. Cook for a final 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving (1 chicken thigh with sauce) contains approximately 350-400 calories. This recipe is an excellent source of lean protein, which aids in muscle repair and satiety. While honey contributes natural sugars, the garlic provides immune-boosting compounds. To make this dish healthier, serve it alongside steamed vegetables or brown rice to increase fiber intake.
Storage
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Honey Garlic Chicken freezes well; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, the sauce may lose some of its stickiness. For the best texture, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, rather than microwaving.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the delectable sauce, or pair it with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a complete meal. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. Whether you use chicken breasts, thighs, or even wings, this sweet and savory glaze guarantees a delicious dinner every time.