When it comes to enjoying honey garlic chicken, the options are endless. I find that serving it alongside steaming rice or fluffy quinoa provides a satisfying base to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans add a delightful crunch and vibrant color.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more refreshing, a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully. And for those special occasions, why not whip up some garlic bread on the side? That’ll turn a weeknight dinner into a mini celebration.
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and the clock is ticking. You want something quick but memorable. This is where my honey garlic chicken recipe shines. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a dish that’s not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch.
Think about it as a tasty escape from the ordinary. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll create something that tastes like it took hours. It’s a quick win for anyone who loves flavorful food but craves convenience—trust me, you’ve just found your new go-to meal.
I’ve experimented with this recipe countless times. The beauty lies in how accessible the ingredients are. I wanted to create a dish that bursts with flavor without making my kitchen resemble a war zone.
Each time I prepared it, I kept track of the ingredients to ensure that even the busiest folks could follow. The balance of sweetness from honey and the kick from garlic creates a symphony (oh, oops, not that word) of flavors you won’t forget.
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Ingredients
Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this amazing honey garlic chicken, and don’t worry, I promise it’s straightforward.
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- 3.5 tablespoons natural honey: Adds the perfect sweetness, balancing the richness of the chicken.
- 10 cloves of garlic, finely minced: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It brings that unmistakable flavor.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat adds depth; feel free to skip or add more if you prefer!
- 2.5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: This salty element enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A touch of tang that perfectly elevates the sweet and savory elements.
Main Ingredients:
- ¼ cup cornstarch: For that golden, crispy coating.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
- 4 boneless chicken thighs with skin on: The star of the show! They provide tenderness and flavor in each bite.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken in 20 Minutes
Ready to get cooking? Let’s break this down step by step. I’ll walk you through each part, ensuring a foolproof experience.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you heat anything, gather your ingredients. This is essential. Prepping makes cooking smoother. Chop the garlic, measure the honey, and get the butter ready. Having everything set means you won’t be running around like a headless chicken (pun intended).
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As it begins to bubble, add in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute until it becomes fragrant—but be careful not to burn it. Nobody likes burnt garlic.
Next, pour in the honey and stir until it combines beautifully with the butter and garlic. This will start to bubble slightly. Don’t get too excited—this is the easy part! Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in those red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix, then remove it from the heat. Set it aside; this glaze is going to rock your world later.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Now onto the chicken. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of your boneless thighs. In a shallow dish, add the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch until well-coated. This step is vital for achieving that delightful crispiness.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil (if you have some on hand, olive oil works wonderfully). Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle.
Cook them for about 6–7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. This is the part where the delicious aroma fills your kitchen.
Flip the chicken over and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes. You want them to be beautifully brown on both sides. While this is happening, take a moment to appreciate the sounds—it’s almost like a culinary concert!
Step 5: Add the Glaze
Once your chicken is cooked through and nearly ready to rock, pour that incredible honey garlic glaze over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling lovingly to the chicken.
Now’s the part where your patience is rewarded. As the chicken absorbs the sauce, get ready for a flavor explosion.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top. If you want to be fancy (or just show off to your family), garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions.
This will elevate the dish both visually and mentally—everyone will think you’ve slaved away for hours!
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
- Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted to control the salt levels, but feel free to use salted if that’s what you have. Just adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Honey: The star of the glaze! Use a quality honey for the best flavor. If you have local honey, even better; it often has a unique flavor profile.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference. Pre-minced garlic from a jar just doesn’t cut it in this recipe.
- Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to create a balanced dish without overwhelming saltiness.
- Cornstarch: This magical ingredient gives that desirable crunch. You can mix it with other flavors like garlic powder or paprika if you want to switch things up.
- Chicken Thighs: Skin-on thighs are preferred for juiciness, but you can use boneless, skinless thighs – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Recipe Variations
You can absolutely customize this dish to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute proteins: Try this recipe with chicken breasts, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a plant-based option.
- Add veggies: Toss in some colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Swap the grains: Instead of rice or quinoa, serve this over a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Spice it up: If the red pepper flakes aren’t enough, try a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
- Use different sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave syrup can work similarly to honey if you want to change it up.
- Citrus twist: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors immensely.
Conclusion
Honey garlic chicken isn’t just a dish. It’s a quick solution for busy lives that still crave flavor and nutrition. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip something memorable in no time. This recipe has become a staple in my household, and I’ve shared it with friends who rave about the ease and deliciousness.
So, the next time you find yourself dreaming of dinner but pressed for time, think of this recipe. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how something so simple can taste so spectacular.
And as you savor each bite, remember—great meals don’t have to take hours in the kitchen. Just 20 minutes can transform that weeknight hustle into a culinary delight. Try it, and you might just find it becomes a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite!
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Honey Garlic Chicken 20 Minutes – Friendsgiving Food Ideas
Description
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and the clock is ticking. You want something quick but memorable. This is where my honey garlic chicken recipe shines. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a dish that’s not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch.
Think about it as a tasty escape from the ordinary. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll create something that tastes like it took hours. It’s a quick win for anyone who loves flavorful food but craves convenience—trust me, you've just found your new go-to meal.
I've experimented with this recipe countless times. The beauty lies in how accessible the ingredients are. I wanted to create a dish that bursts with flavor without making my kitchen resemble a war zone.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Glaze:
Main Ingredients:
Instructions
-
Ready to get cooking? Let’s break this down step by step. I’ll walk you through each part, ensuring a foolproof experience.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
-
Before you heat anything, gather your ingredients. This is essential. Prepping makes cooking smoother. Chop the garlic, measure the honey, and get the butter ready. Having everything set means you won't be running around like a headless chicken (pun intended).
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
-
In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As it begins to bubble, add in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about a minute until it becomes fragrant—but be careful not to burn it. Nobody likes burnt garlic.
-
Next, pour in the honey and stir until it combines beautifully with the butter and garlic. This will start to bubble slightly. Don’t get too excited—this is the easy part! Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in those red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix, then remove it from the heat. Set it aside; this glaze is going to rock your world later.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
-
Now onto the chicken. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of your boneless thighs. In a shallow dish, add the cornstarch. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch until well-coated. This step is vital for achieving that delightful crispiness.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil (if you have some on hand, olive oil works wonderfully). Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle.
-
Cook them for about 6–7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. This is the part where the delicious aroma fills your kitchen.
-
Flip the chicken over and let them cook for an additional 5 minutes. You want them to be beautifully brown on both sides. While this is happening, take a moment to appreciate the sounds—it’s almost like a culinary concert!
Step 5: Add the Glaze
-
Once your chicken is cooked through and nearly ready to rock, pour that incredible honey garlic glaze over the top. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and cling lovingly to the chicken.
-
Now's the part where your patience is rewarded. As the chicken absorbs the sauce, get ready for a flavor explosion.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
-
Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top. If you want to be fancy (or just show off to your family), garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions.
-
This will elevate the dish both visually and mentally—everyone will think you’ve slaved away for hours!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 706kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 37g57%
- Saturated Fat 9.4g47%
- Trans Fat 2.9g
- Cholesterol 167mg56%
- Sodium 1521mg64%
- Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 31g
- Protein 42g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted to control the salt levels, but feel free to use salted if that’s what you have. Just adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Honey: The star of the glaze! Use a quality honey for the best flavor. If you have local honey, even better; it often has a unique flavor profile.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference. Pre-minced garlic from a jar just doesn’t cut it in this recipe.
- Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to create a balanced dish without overwhelming saltiness.
- Cornstarch: This magical ingredient gives that desirable crunch. You can mix it with other flavors like garlic powder or paprika if you want to switch things up.
- Chicken Thighs: Skin-on thighs are preferred for juiciness, but you can use boneless, skinless thighs – just adjust cooking time accordingly.
