For a light, flavorful meal that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare, these Italian-Style Cod Fillets in Tomato Basil Sauce are a perfect choice. This dish features tender, flaky cod fillets simmered in a fragrant tomato basil sauce made from crushed tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s a wholesome, low-calorie meal that pairs beautifully with sides like crusty bread, steamed rice, or a simple green salad. With just a few ingredients, this recipe delivers classic Italian flavors while keeping the focus on healthy, high-quality ingredients.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breast, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Begin by cutting the chicken into thin strips for faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Soy Glaze
- In the same pan, add soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients well and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 4: Thicken the Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring continuously until the glaze begins to thicken. This will take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
- Return the seared chicken strips to the pan with the glaze.
- Toss the chicken in the glaze, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the chicken is fully coated and the glaze has reached the desired thickness, remove it from heat.
- Serve the honey soy glazed chicken with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables, and garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
- Yes, chicken breast is a great option, though it may cook slightly faster. Ensure not to overcook to maintain tenderness.
2. Can I substitute soy sauce with a gluten-free option?
- Absolutely. Tamari or coconut aminos are good gluten-free alternatives that will still provide a rich umami flavor.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or freshly sliced chili peppers to the glaze for an added kick.
4. Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
- Apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute, adding a slightly different but complementary flavor profile.
Tips for the Perfect Honey Soy Glazed Chicken
- Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: Freshly grated ginger and minced garlic add a stronger, fresher taste than powdered versions.
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken strips cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a dry texture.
- Adjust the Sweetness: The honey or brown sugar adds sweetness, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Serve with a Bed of Rice: The extra glaze left in the pan is delicious over rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables, adding an extra dimension of flavor to your meal.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Honey Soy Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the cooled chicken and glaze in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the glaze from thickening too much.
Conclusion
Honey Soy Glazed Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with the saltiness of soy sauce and the warmth of ginger and garlic. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe offers satisfying flavors that everyone can enjoy. The ease of preparation and the versatility of the dish make it an excellent addition to any meal rotation. With minimal ingredients and a few cooking tips, you’ll have a flavorful, tender chicken dish ready to enjoy.
Serve it alongside rice, vegetables, or noodles for a wholesome meal, and savor the comforting blend of flavors in each bite. Enjoy your homemade Honey Soy Glazed Chicken!