Sticky Sweet Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

Craving Takeaway? Try This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken!

Fancy a takeaway fakeaway night? Ever get that craving for something sweet, savory, and totally satisfying? Me too! That's why I'm sharing this easy honey garlic chicken recipe.

It's quicker than ordering in and honestly, way tastier.

Sweet, Sticky, and Simple: A Crowd Pleaser

This Asian inspired chicken dish is a classic for a reason. It's all about that perfect balance. Think sticky honey, punchy garlic, and a hint of savory goodness.

This dish originated from Asian American takeout restaurants, and it’s now a global favourite. This easy chicken recipe is perfect for beginner cooks.

It takes about 35 minutes from start to finish and makes about 4 servings.

Why You'll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken

Honestly, there's so much to love! First, chicken is a great source of protein. So, it's a winner on the nutrition front.

This homemade honey garlic chicken is also perfect for a busy weeknight dinner . It’s quick, simple, and everyone will love it! What makes this best honey garlic chicken recipe special? It is the simplicity with restaurant quality taste.

Let's Talk Ingredients for Our Quick Honey Garlic Chicken

Alright, now that I've got your taste buds tingling, let's get down to business. Don't worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet. Most of these are cupboard staples, too!

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this easy honey garlic chicken . It's practically a takeaway fakeaway , but trust me, homemade honey garlic chicken tastes so much better.

Plus, you know exactly what's going into it!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

For the chicken itself, you'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite sized pieces about 1 inch (2.

5cm) square. Quality matters here, so try to get chicken that looks nice and pink, not pale or greyish. For the marinade, grab 2 tablespoons (30ml) of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar if you're out), 1 tablespoon (15ml) of cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper about 1/4 teaspoon .

Now for that incredible sauce! You'll want 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil for cooking, 6 cloves of garlic minced (seriously, don't skimp!), and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger.

Then, the stars of the show: 1/4 cup (60ml) of honey and 1/4 cup (60ml) of soy sauce. Plus, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of water, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of ketchup, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.

For a touch of class, a sprinkling of sesame seeds and chopped green onions at the end.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You

Garlic and ginger are the foundation of this Asian inspired chicken . Don’t be shy with the garlic. It's what gives it that real punch! Soy sauce and honey are a match made in heaven.

If you’re feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice little kick.

Need to substitute? Apple cider vinegar works great in place of rice vinegar. Tamari can be used instead of soy sauce.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe. Honestly, all you really need is a large skillet or wok. I use my trusty cast iron skillet.

A chopping board and knife are a must, plus measuring cups and spoons. Finally, a mixing bowl to marinate your chicken.

Don't overcomplicate it!

Seriously, this sticky honey garlic chicken recipe is foolproof. So, let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Nailing Easy Honey Garlic Chicken

Want a takeaway fakeaway that's actually good for you? Honestly, skip the grease and try my easy honey garlic chicken recipe! It's quicker than ordering in, and you know exactly what's going into it.

It's the best honey garlic chicken recipe , ever!

Prep Steps: Sorted!

• Essential mise en place: Get your chicken thighs chopped into bite sized pieces. Mince that garlic like your life depends on it. Measure out all your sauces, too.
• Time saving organization tips: I like to prep the sauce while the chicken marinates. Pop it all into a bowl and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. You'll thank me later. It’s a weeknight dinner winner!
• Safety reminders: Raw chicken alert! Wash your hands and cutting board like crazy after handling it. No one wants salmonella, trust me.

step-by-step: Let's Do This!

1. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes .
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium high heat .
3. Cook the chicken for 5- 7 minutes , until browned.
4. Add garlic and ginger for 30 seconds , until fragrant.
5. Stir in honey, soy sauce, water, and ketchup. Simmer for 3- 5 minutes until thickened.
6. Toss the chicken in the sauce until coated.

Pro Tips: Secret Weapons!

• Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches for a nice sear. Nobody wants steamed, pale chicken.
• To get that super sticky honey garlic chicken recipe effect, add a cornstarch slurry in the last minute. It thickens like magic!
• This Asian inspired chicken is amazing served over rice with some steamed broccoli. So easy!

Seriously, give this quick honey garlic chicken recipe a go. It's way better than anything you'll get delivered, and you'll feel like a proper chef.

Plus, who doesn't love homemade honey garlic chicken ? Enjoy! Also, this honey garlic chicken stir fry has never failed me yet!

Recipe Notes for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Alright, before we dive in, a few easy chicken recipe notes to make your sticky honey garlic chicken recipe experience even better. You know, a little chef's kiss to your cooking.

Serving Suggestions Level Up That Plate!

So, you've made this amazing easy honey garlic chicken . But how do we make it look Instagrammable ? Honestly, presentation matters! Serve your homemade honey garlic chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.

Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This not only looks pretty but adds flavor. For sides, some steamed broccoli or a vibrant honey garlic chicken stir fry is banging! Or, if you fancy something different, try Asian slaw.

For drinks, a cool glass of iced green tea or even a light beer complements the flavours perfectly. Get creative, have fun!

Storage Tips Keeping It Fresh

Right, so you've made loads of this quick honey garlic chicken or you have leftovers. No worries! It keeps well.

Just let it cool completely before popping it into an airtight container. Into the fridge it goes, and it’ll happily sit there for 3-4 days .

If you're thinking long term, freezing is your friend! Pack it in freezer safe containers or bags. It'll last for up to 2 months .

When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a pan on the stove, or in the microwave.

If the sauce looks a bit dry, add a splash of water.

Variations Make It Your Own

Fancy a change? No probs! For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari. It tastes almost the same! Watching the carbs? Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

To spice things up you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You know, a tiny oomph ! If you're making this in summer use fresh ingredients like mangoes, or in winter add some seasonal squash to complement this Asian inspired chicken .

Nutrition Basics Goodness Inside

This easy honey garlic chicken is more than just delicious. It's a decent source of protein. You know, building blocks for your body! The sauce, while tasty, is relatively high in sugar due to the honey.

So, portion control is important. Each serving has about 450 calories , 35 grams of protein , 20 grams of fat , and 30 grams of carbs .

Remember, it's a treat, not a staple.

Honestly, making this easy honey garlic chicken is dead easy. And trust me, you’ll get the best honey garlic chicken recipe if you try it! So, don't be shy! Get in the kitchen and whip up some magic.

This is a perfect weeknight dinner or your next takeaway fakeaway . You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this easy honey garlic chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beauty of this dish is that it's even better the next day. Just cook it according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

It's perfect for meal prepping a real winner winner chicken dinner!

How do I stop my easy honey garlic chicken sauce from being too runny?

A runny sauce is a common kitchen woe, but easily fixed! First, ensure you're simmering it long enough for the honey to caramelize and thicken usually 3-5 minutes. If it's still too thin, try mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce during the last minute of cooking.

It'll thicken up like magic, a proper Mary Poppins moment!

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this easy honey garlic chicken recipe?

You certainly can, but keep in mind that chicken breast tends to dry out more easily than thighs. If you opt for breast, cut it into similar sized pieces as the thighs and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent it from becoming tough. Think of it like baking a cake you don't want a dry sponge, do you?

What are some good side dishes to serve with honey garlic chicken?

The options are endless, really! For a classic pairing, try serving it with steamed rice and some stir fried vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Alternatively, you could toss the chicken with cooked noodles for a complete meal.

If you're feeling fancy, a side of creamy mashed potatoes would also be a delightful indulgence - a proper Sunday roast feeling!

Is there a way to make this honey garlic chicken healthier?

Definitely! As mentioned previously, using chicken breast is a great start. Swapping regular soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce will also significantly reduce the sodium content. You can also reduce the amount of honey slightly or use a honey alternative like maple syrup in moderation.

Load up on veggies alongside and you've got yourself a guilt free treat!

How long does honey garlic chicken last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your honey garlic chicken will last for about 3-4 days. Always ensure that the chicken has cooled down completely before refrigerating. To reheat, simply microwave it, pan-fry it, or bake it in the oven until it’s heated through.

Food safety first, always!