Name: Easy Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs (or substitute with boneless skinless thighs); 2 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 tsp garlic powder; 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup/brown sugar/light corn syrup if you’re allergic to honey); 3 tbsp water (cold); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar or apple cider vinegar); 1/2 tablespoon regular soy sauce; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch)

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Honey Garlic Chicken has become a staple in my kitchen, providing a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. This dish showcases juicy chicken thighs coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce made with simple ingredients. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this quick and easy honey garlic chicken recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether served over rice or alongside seasonal vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to please the whole family!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is not just delicious; it brings numerous advantages to your dining table. First, it’s incredibly fast, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a quick honey garlic chicken dinner. Second, it uses minimal ingredients, allowing for budget-friendly meal prep. Third, the sauce is versatile, perfect for pairing with various sides like rice or vegetables. Lastly, it’s a gluten-free dish, catering to those with dietary restrictions. With a mix of sweet and savory flavors, it’s no wonder why honey garlic chicken is popular among home cooks!

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

Gather these items:

4 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs (or substitute with boneless skinless thighs)
2 tsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp garlic powder
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup/brown sugar/light corn syrup if you’re allergic to honey)
3 tbsp water (cold)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
1/2 tablespoon regular soy sauce
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch)

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Debone the chicken thighs by turning the chicken thigh bone side up. Then locate the bone and make small slits around the bone with a sharp paring knife until you’re able to remove it.
Step 2: Pat dry the chicken pieces on both sides with clean paper towel.
Step 3: Season on both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Step 4: In a small bowl combine the honey garlic sauce ingredients as listed above. Set aside.
Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat. Place the chicken skin side down and fry until skin is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Fry on the other side until the meat is cooked through (about 2 mins) or until an internal temperature of 165 Fahrenheit is reached.
Step 6: Reduce to low-medium heat. Pour in the honey garlic sauce around the chicken thighs and let the sauce thicken. Flip the chicken over so it’s skin side down for 15 seconds so the skin can absorb the sauce and flip over again.
Step 7: Garnish the chicken with green onions.
Step 8: Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board to slice into smaller pieces and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken

Keep these in mind:

This recipe has been updated as of Nov 2024 and includes an additional ingredient not shown in the attached video.
You can air fry the chicken for a different cooking method.
To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This creates a more sweet and savory honey garlic chicken.
For a healthier option, use skinless chicken thighs and serve with steamed vegetables.

Best Ways to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

There are many delicious ways to serve this dish! Consider pairing it with honey garlic chicken with rice for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a balanced plate. For a fun twist, try making honey garlic chicken skewers for your next barbecue!

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight - Honey Garlic Chicken - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken

To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This dish is also excellent for honey garlic chicken for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be enjoyed throughout the week!

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Honey Garlic Chicken?

The secret lies in the marinade. Allowing the chicken to marinate in the honey garlic sauce infuses the meat with flavor, ensuring every bite is delicious. For the best results, aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time.

Can I make Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, cook the chicken and add the sauce for a quick meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Honey Garlic Chicken?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. This allows for even cooking and a crispy skin. Additionally, monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.

Variations of Honey Garlic Chicken You Can Try

For a twist on the classic recipe, try honey garlic chicken stir fry by adding your favorite vegetables. You can also experiment with a gluten-free honey garlic chicken recipe by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Another delicious variation is to make sticky honey garlic chicken wings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Crockpot Butter Chicken or Cheesy Chicken Noodle Soup. If you’re looking for a great side, try Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges for a perfect pairing!