Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

Name: Easy Honey Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (Ensure chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.); 2 tablespoons olive oil (Use for searing chicken.); 1/2 cup honey (Adjust sweetness as desired.); 1/4 cup soy sauce (Adds savory flavor.); 2 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic enhances flavor.)

Are you ready to bring a delightful and satisfying dish to your dinner table? Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is a great choice that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights or when you simply want to treat yourself to something delicious. You can create a heartwarming meal that is sure to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this wonderful dish and see how easy it is to whip up!

Why make this recipe

There are plenty of reasons to make Easy Honey Garlic Chicken for your next meal. First, it’s incredibly straightforward, meaning even novice cooks can tackle it without any fear. You only need a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, such as honey and soy sauce. This recipe is not just about simplicity; it also boasts a mouthwatering flavor profile. The sweet and sticky sauce coats the chicken beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables, allowing you to customize your meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having a cozy night in, this recipe will surely bring smiles to the table.

How to make Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

Making Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. The process begins with preparing the chicken, which involves cutting bone-free, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. You then sear the chicken in a hot skillet to give it a nice brown color and delicious flavor. What follows is a fantastic honey garlic mixture that elevates the dish. After combining honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic, you’ll pour this luscious sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. The dish simmers until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens into a glaze. Finally, serve this scrumptious meal hot and enjoy the wonderful balance of flavors, from sweet to savory.

Ingredients:

To create your Easy Honey Garlic Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

These simple ingredients work together to create a flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil is crucial as it will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook until they are browned, which will take about 5-7 minutes. This browning process adds depth to the flavor of the chicken.
In a bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This mixture will serve as the sauce that brings everything together.
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken in the skillet. The sauce will coat the chicken, ensuring that each piece is flavorful.
Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to become fully cooked through and helps the sauce thicken nicely.
Serve hot and enjoy! You can garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch if desired.

Time Breakdown

Preparing Easy Honey Garlic Chicken doesn’t take much time at all. The overall cooking time is around 30 minutes. This includes approximately 5-7 minutes for browning the chicken and another 10-15 minutes for simmering in the sauce. In a short time, you can have a delicious meal ready to go!

How to serve Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

When serving Easy Honey Garlic Chicken, consider the perfect pairings to complement the sweet and savory glaze. A bed of fluffy rice is an excellent choice, as it absorbs the sauce and makes for a hearty meal. You might also serve it over noodles or alongside stir-fried vegetables for added crunch and nutrition. A light green salad can also be a delightful addition to your plate, freshening up the meal. As a finishing touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top to give the dish a pop of color and extra flavor.

How to store Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is easy! Simply allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a splash of water or more honey to the pan can help revive the sauce and make it gooey and delicious again!

Tips to make Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

To ensure that your Easy Honey Garlic Chicken turns out perfect every time, consider a few helpful tips. First, make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking to achieve a nice sear and reduce splattering. You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey based on your preference. Feel free to add some chili flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat in your dishes. If you want to elevate the meal further, marinating the chicken in the honey and soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking can amplify the flavors even more.

Variation

There are fun variations to explore with Easy Honey Garlic Chicken. For instance, you can try substituting chicken with tofu, making it a wonderful option for vegetarians. The honey sauce can work beautifully with different proteins. If you prefer a tangy twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the sauce for an added zing. Adding vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process can create a one-pan meal that’s colorful and nutritious.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

For those keeping an eye on their dietary intake, a serving of Easy Honey Garlic Chicken is quite balanced. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (this may vary depending on ingredient brands and measurements):

Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Total Fat: 10g
Sugar: 20g

This dish offers a great source of protein alongside a delightful flavor experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can certainly use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook a bit faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store them separately, and then combine and cook when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Easy Honey Garlic Chicken. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.

Enjoy making this fantastic Easy Honey Garlic Chicken for dinner, and savor the delicious, simple flavors all week long!