Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and savory with this Honey Garlic Chicken. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and lightly coated in flour, then cooked to golden perfection in butter. The rich, fragrant sauce made from honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic elevates this dish to a delightful culinary experience. Garnished with fresh spring onions, each bite is a harmonious balance of flavors.
Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal, this Honey Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad. Its simplicity in preparation combined with its complex flavor profile makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Serve it up hot and watch as it becomes a family favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- All-purpose flour, for coating
- 40g butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 20g butter (additional)
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 5 tablespoons honey
- Spring onion, for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Lightly coat the chicken breasts in all-purpose flour.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a pan over low-medium heat.
- Add 40g of butter to the pan.
- Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts.
- Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic:
- While the chicken is cooking, mince 3 cloves of garlic.
- Flip and Continue Cooking:
- Flip the chicken after 4-5 minutes and cook for another 4 minutes.
- Flip the chicken again if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, add an additional 20g of butter to the pan.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
- Add 5 tablespoons of honey and mix well to create the sauce.
- Combine and Finish:
- Let the sauce simmer for a minute to thicken slightly.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the sauce by flipping them in the pan.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pan and place them on a serving dish.
- Pour any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken.
- Garnish with additional spring onions if desired.
Tips:
- Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste for more or less sweetness.
- Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken dinner!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:
Tips for Making the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
- Even Coating: Lightly coating the chicken in flour helps create a crispy exterior that holds up well to the sauce.
- Butter Flavor: Cooking the chicken in butter adds a rich, savory flavor. Be careful not to burn the butter; keep the heat at a low-medium level.
- Sauce Consistency: Let the sauce simmer just enough to thicken slightly, which helps it cling to the chicken better.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic sauce for a spicy version.
- Extra Veggies: Include some sautéed bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Serving Ideas: This dish is perfect with steamed rice or noodles. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
Possible Questions About This Recipe
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
- What type of vinegar is best?
- White vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar all work well. Each type will slightly alter the flavor, so choose according to your preference.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for coating the chicken and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
- Add the garlic to the pan once the additional butter is melted and the pan is at a lower heat. Cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Can I add other herbs?
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can be added as a garnish for extra flavor and color.
- Is there a substitute for honey?
- Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as substitutes for honey.
- What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.
- Is it necessary to use both butter portions?
- Using both portions of butter enhances the flavor and richness of the dish, but you can reduce the amount if desired.
- How can I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Chicken offers a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Happy cooking!