Name: Easy Dinners
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless skinless thighs).; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil).; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder.; 5 cloves garlic, minced.; 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup, brown sugar, or light corn syrup for honey allergies).; 3 tablespoons cold water.; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar or apple cider vinegar).; 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce.; 2 teaspoons sesame oil.; 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or potato/tapioca starch).

Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and easy dinner option, featuring juicy chicken thighs coated in a deliciously sweet and savory sauce. With a crispy skin and tender meat, this dish is perfect for busy nights and pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables. Enjoy this versatile recipe with substitutions for honey allergies if needed.

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.