If youâre craving a sweet, savory, and garlicky chicken dish, this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe will hit all the right notes! Itâs quick, easy, and deliciousâperfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (split horizontally for thinner pieces)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or finely chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white vinegar works best)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for that savory depth)
- 1/4 cup honey (the star of the dish for sweetness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by splitting the chicken breasts horizontally if they are too thick. This helps them cook faster and ensures a tender bite. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lightly coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess flour. This gives the chicken a nice crust when seared.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to bubble, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The flour will form a delicious crust, sealing in the juices.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Let it melt and start to brown slightly.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Pour in the vinegar and soy sauce, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the honey and stir the sauce until everything is well-mixed. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure itâs well-coated.
- Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of rice (or noodles) to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
Benefits of This Dish:
- Chicken Breasts: A lean source of protein, chicken breasts are low in fat and high in essential nutrients like B-vitamins and selenium. They help in muscle building and boosting metabolism.
- Honey: Packed with antioxidants, honey helps fight inflammation, aids in digestion, and can boost energy levels. Plus, it adds a natural sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.
- Butter: Though butter adds richness and flavor, using it in moderation provides fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A. You can substitute with olive oil for a healthier alternative if preferred.
- Soy Sauce: Offers a savory umami flavor, and in small amounts, it adds a boost of minerals like manganese and iron. Opt for a low-sodium version if youâre watching your salt intake.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a juicier, more tender texture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
Q: What can I substitute for soy sauce if I have dietary restrictions?
- A: If youâre gluten-free, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. Both will provide a similar salty and umami flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- A: Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the skillet to bring it back to life.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce more if itâs too runny?
- A: You can mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes, and the sauce will thicken up. Alternatively, simmer the sauce for a little longer to reduce it.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- A: Definitely! Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers would be a great addition. Simply toss them in the sauce at the end, or sauté them in the same pan before adding the chicken back in.
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is super flexible and can be made with a variety of sides or veggies depending on what you have at home. Enjoy this sweet and savory dish thatâs sure to become a family favorite!