Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Why make this recipe
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect dish for busy weeknights or special occasions. Its combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a delicious glaze that coats the tender chicken. This recipe is quick, easy, and requires simple ingredients, making it a go-to for anyone wanting a satisfying meal without a lot of fuss. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with rice, making it a comforting dish the whole family will love.
How to make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients :
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more for searing
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 110g (1/3 cup) honey
- 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions :
-
Prepare Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside. -
Craft the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, 110g honey, 80ml chicken stock, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and optional ½ tsp chilli flakes. Whisk until well combined. In a separate small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 4 tbsp cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron) over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside. -
Glaze and Finish
Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon. Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat every piece in the sticky glaze. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. -
Serve
Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
How to serve Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
This dish is best served hot over cooked rice. You can also add steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side for a complete meal.
How to store Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
To store leftovers, place cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through or heat in a skillet over low heat. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to make Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. This helps it brown evenly.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey for sweetness according to your taste.
- Add fresh veggies like bell peppers or snap peas while glazing for extra nutrition and color.
Variation
For a spicy twist, increase the amount of chilli flakes or add sriracha to the sauce. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a shorter cooking time. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk together the sauce ingredients and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to stir well before using.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is great for meal prep! Just portion it out with rice and veggies in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners.
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, 110g honey, 80ml chicken stock, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, and optional ½ tsp chilli flakes. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp cornstarch with 4 tbsp cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet (non-stick or cast iron) over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously.
- Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
- Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat every piece in the sticky glaze. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish generously with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.
Notes
