The Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, and other seasonings. It’s typically served over boiled rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are chosen for their juicy and flavorful meat. They are also more forgiving when cooked, remaining tender even if slightly overcooked.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch): Cornflour is used to coat the chicken before cooking. It helps to create a crispy outer layer on the chicken when fried.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the chicken and other ingredients in the dish. It also helps to tenderize the meat.
- Pepper: Pepper adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish. It complements the sweetness of the honey and balances the flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used for frying the chicken. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-heat cooking methods like frying.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish. It helps to create a creamy texture in the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a strong, aromatic flavor to the dish. It also has health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure.
- Honey: Honey provides sweetness to the dish and caramelizes when cooked, creating a delicious glaze for the chicken.
- Chicken Stock: Chicken stock adds depth of flavor and richness to the sauce. It also helps to tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
- Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce. It balances the sweetness of the honey and adds complexity to the dish.
- Light Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce adds saltiness and umami flavor to the dish. It also enhances the color of the sauce and helps to balance the sweetness of the honey.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. It also adds a subtle herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Chilli Flakes: Chilli flakes add a hint of spiciness to the dish. They can be adjusted according to personal preference to add more or less heat.
- Boiled Rice: Boiled rice serves as a base for the honey garlic chicken, soaking up the flavorful sauce and providing a satisfying texture contrast.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the honey garlic chicken alongside boiled rice for a fulfilling meal. You can also add steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it is no longer pink in the middle.
- Adjust the amount of honey and garlic according to your taste preferences.
- For a healthier option, you can use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of this dish. You can also substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use fresh chicken thighs for optimal taste and texture, but you can thaw frozen thighs before cooking if needed.
Q2: How long does it take to make honey garlic chicken?
A: The cooking process typically takes around 20-25 minutes from start to finish.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Cook the chicken just before serving for the best results.
Q4: Is honey garlic chicken spicy?
A: The level of spiciness can be adjusted by varying the amount of chilli flakes used. Feel free to omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Q5: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
A: Yes, you can grill the chicken thighs for a smoky flavor. Ensure they are fully cooked before adding the sauce.
This honey garlic chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a dish that you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: Chinese5
servings15
minutes40
minutesTry our irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! Featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a delectable honey garlic sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, it’s simple to make and sure to impress. Serve over boiled rice for a satisfying meal. Made with quality ingredients like honey, garlic, and savory spices. Give it a try today!
IngredientsIngredients
8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves minced garlic
110 g (⅓ cup) honey
80 ml (⅓ cup) chicken stock
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp light soy sauce
- To Serve:
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp chilli flakes
Boiled rice
Directions
- Preparing the Chicken:
- Start by placing the chicken thighs in a bowl and adding the cornflour, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the cornflour mixture.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan (skillet) over high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs and cook on one side until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Then, turn them over and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Making the Sauce:
- Add the butter to the pan, allowing it to melt before adding the minced garlic. Stir together and reduce the heat to medium to prevent the garlic from burning.
- In a separate bowl, combine the honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce to make the sauce.
- Final Touches:
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Increase the heat and bring the sauce to a boil, then let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and chilli flakes over the dish before serving. Pair it with boiled rice for a complete meal.
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