This Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dinner, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare for weeknight dinners.
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken Thighs (skin-on, bone-in or boneless): Thighs stay juicy during cooking, and the skin adds extra crispiness when fried.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil ideal for frying, helping to crisp up the chicken skin.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aroma to the seasoning on the chicken.
Honey Garlic Sauce
- Garlic (minced): Essential for a rich, aromatic base in the sauce.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and balances the savory elements; can be substituted with maple syrup or brown sugar for those with allergies.
- Cold Water: Prevents the sauce from becoming too thick, allowing it to coat the chicken evenly.
- Rice Vinegar (or other vinegar): Adds acidity to balance the sweetness, giving the sauce depth.
- Soy Sauce: Contributes a savory umami flavor to the sauce.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor that complements the garlic and honey.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings to the chicken.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- To debone the chicken thighs, place each thigh bone side up and carefully make small cuts around the bone with a paring knife until it can be removed.
- Step 2:
- Pat the chicken dry on both sides using paper towels to ensure a crispy texture when cooking.
- Step 3:
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Set aside.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl, combine the honey garlic sauce ingredients: minced garlic, honey, cold water, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Stir until well mixed. Set aside.
- Step 5:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the chicken skin side down and fry until the skin is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is cooked through (about 2 more minutes), or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 6:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce around the chicken in the pan and let it thicken. Flip the chicken to skin-side down for about 15 seconds to absorb some of the sauce, then flip it back.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with green onions if desired, and transfer the chicken to a cutting board to slice into smaller pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Honey Garlic Chicken hot with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added color and flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- For a lower-sugar option, reduce the amount of honey or substitute with maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer slightly longer after adding the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ken Hom suggests using sesame oil at the end of cooking to retain its nutty aroma and flavor.
- Chef Jet Tila recommends adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick in honey garlic dishes.
- Chef Ming Tsai advises using fresh garlic and a high-quality honey for the best flavor in Asian-inspired sauces.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Honey Garlic Chicken combines sweet and savory flavors for a comforting and delicious meal.
- It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal ingredients.
- The crispy skin and tender meat make it a family favorite that pairs well with various side dishes.
Variations
- For a spicy twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or breast pieces if preferred.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.