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Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken
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Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweet honey with savory garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, it uses simple pantry staples and delivers juicy, tender chicken glazed in a rich, aromatic sauce. Suitable for busy weeknights, this family-friendly recipe works well with different chicken cuts and can be customized to your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Sauce

  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side, locking in juices with a caramelized crust.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and water or chicken broth. Pour this sauce into the pan with the seared chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
  4. Simmer Until Cooked Through: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally to maximize flavor infusion and ensure thorough cooking.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker glaze is desired, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.
  6. Serve Hot: Remove from heat once the chicken is tender and beautifully glazed. Plate immediately and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more forgiving cooking compared to breasts.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning and better texture.
  • Always use fresh garlic cloves for maximum aroma and flavor; avoid garlic powder.
  • Adjust honey quantity to balance sweetness and garlic intensity to your preference.
  • Letting the sauce reduce by slow simmering naturally thickens and intensifies its flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture; avoid high-power microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free chicken, weeknight meal, savory sweet chicken, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/honey-garlic-chicken/