Honey Garlic Chicken

$- 4 boneless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a great dish. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender, and they soak up the sweet and savory marinade. Honey adds a nice touch of sweetness, while soy sauce brings depth. Don't skip the garlic and ginger; they boost the flavor. The sesame oil and olive oil mix well, giving the chicken a rich taste. The seasonings are simple, just salt and pepper, but they make a big difference. For garnish, green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh crunch and a pop of color. This simple list makes cooking fun. You can find these ingredients at any grocery store. As you prepare, think about how these flavors will blend together. It’s a delightful experience. You can check out the Full Recipe to dive deeper into this delicious dish. To start, grab a medium bowl. In it, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mixture creates a sweet and savory marinade that makes the chicken shine. Ensure it’s mixed well, as this is where the magic begins. Next, take your chicken thighs and sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This step is crucial for flavor. Now, place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated well. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. For the best taste, let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you can wait. Heat sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the oils shimmer, which should take a minute or two. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, saving the leftover marinade for later. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will give you a crunchy exterior. After cooking the chicken, take it out of the skillet and let it rest on a plate. Now, pour the reserved marinade into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens. This creates a rich sauce that will coat your chicken perfectly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Make sure each piece is well-coated in the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. Finally, transfer the Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice crunch. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also beautiful! For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details above. Enjoy your cooking! Marinating the chicken makes it juicy and full of flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, aim for 2 hours. This longer time helps the chicken soak up the honey and garlic flavors. To get that perfect golden-brown crust, heat the oils well before adding the chicken. Make sure your skillet is hot when you place the chicken inside. Cook it in batches if your skillet is small. This way, the chicken cooks evenly. Flip it only once or twice to keep that crust nice and intact. To make your honey garlic chicken even better, try adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. If you love citrus, some fresh lime juice adds brightness. You can also toss in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro for a fresh twist. Each of these will enhance the dish and make it your own. For the complete cooking guidance and more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can add seasonal vegetables to your honey garlic chicken. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the chicken. This gives your dish color and crunch. You can also steam the veggies and serve them on the side. If you like heat, make spicy honey garlic chicken. Add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This will give your dish a nice kick. The sweetness of the honey balances the heat well. You’ll enjoy the flavor contrast! To turn this dish into a stir-fry, cut the chicken into strips. Marinate them as usual. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a bit more oil for frying. Toss the chicken strips in the hot oil until they are golden. Add your favorite vegetables during cooking. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. These variations keep the dish fresh and fun! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To store your honey garlic chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh. Enjoy your leftovers within three to four days. You can also use the original marinade as a dipping sauce. If you want to freeze honey garlic chicken, first let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Honey garlic chicken is safe to eat for three to four days when refrigerated. If frozen, use it within three months for best taste. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. This will ensure your meal remains safe and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the section above. You can pair Honey Garlic Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed jasmine rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Roasted broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Simple green salad - Sweet potato fries These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken well. Yes, you can use chicken breast. It will cook faster than thighs. Make sure to adjust the cooking time. Cook breast pieces for about 5-6 minutes on each side. This will keep them juicy and tender. To make Honey Garlic Chicken in an Instant Pot, follow these steps: 1. Mix the marinade as in the full recipe. 2. Season the chicken and add it to the pot. 3. Pour the marinade over the chicken. 4. Seal the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. 5. Allow natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest. This method makes the chicken tender and packed with flavor. Here are some great places to enjoy Honey Garlic Chicken: - Panda Express: Their version is popular and has a good balance of sweet and savory. - Hibachi Grill: Known for their fresh ingredients and bold flavors. - Local Asian bistros: Many small restaurants offer great homemade styles. These spots often serve delicious Honey Garlic Chicken that you can enjoy when dining out. You learned how to make Honey Garlic Chicken with simple ingredients and clear steps. This dish blends sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite in many homes. Remember to marinate the chicken for best taste and feel free to experiment with added spices or veggies. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh longer. With these tips and tricks, you're ready to impress everyone at your next meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! This dish brings together tender chicken thighs marinated in a delightful blend of honey, soy sauce, and garlic, creating a flavor explosion. Easy to prepare and packed with taste, it’s perfect for any night. Ready to impress your family or guests?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined. This mixture serves as a deliciously sweet and savory marinade.

Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, aim for 2 hours.

Heat the Oils: In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil and olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This blend of oils will give the chicken a wonderful flavor and crisp texture.

Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, reserving the leftover marinade for later. Carefully place the chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and has developed a nice golden-brown crust.

Simmer the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and set it on a plate to rest. Pour the reserved marinade into the same skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to cook for about 3-4 minutes or until it reduces slightly and thickens. This will create a rich sauce to coat the chicken.

Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the delectable sauce. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and visual appeal.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marination Time: 30-120 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken with a side of steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables to complement the sauce. Arrange the garnishes artfully to elevate the dish's presentation.