Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe for Family Dinner

The aroma of honey garlic chicken wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with sweet and savory notes that make your mouth water. Imagine tender chicken glazed in a sticky sauce that dances between caramelized sweetness and a hint of garlic—yum!

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s about the memories forged around the dinner table. I remember the first time I made honey garlic chicken for my family; they practically lunged at the table, forks ready and eager, as if I had summoned a five-star restaurant right into our home.

I vividly recall my friend’s eyes lighting up when she tasted this dish for the first time; she declared it “better than takeout!”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a juicy, tender result that cooks quickly.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for robust flavor; minced fresh garlic really elevates this dish.

For the Sauce:

• Honey: Opt for pure, natural honey for maximum sweetness and health benefits—no processed stuff here!

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works best to keep flavors balanced without overwhelming saltiness.

• Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang; if you don’t have it, lemon juice is a good substitute.

• Sesame Oil: A splash of sesame oil gives a fragrant finish that complements the other flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preparing Your Chicken: Start by washing your chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step ensures even cooking and helps the sauce cling better.

Making the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until well blended; the mixture should be smooth and glossy.

Searing the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side.

Add the Sauce: Pour your homemade sauce over the seared chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), usually around 10-12 minutes.

Glazing Perfection: Flip the chicken occasionally to ensure an even glaze forms. You’ll notice how beautifully thick and sticky the sauce becomes as it reduces.

Serve It Up!: Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried veggies to soak up all that delicious sauce!

There you have it! A delightful honey garlic chicken that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite with friends and family while building those cherished memories around your dining table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To get that mouthwatering glaze just right, start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Then, sear it in a hot skillet to lock in those juicy flavors before finishing it off in the oven for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. You can also switch up the honey with maple syrup or agave for a unique twist on flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, ensuring the glaze stays sticky and delicious.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of when I first made it for my friends’ game night. Their delighted faces as they dug into the sticky goodness were priceless, and now it’s a staple in our gatherings!

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will add even more juiciness to your dish.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for an extra kick.

What side dishes pair well with honey garlic chicken?

Serve it with steamed rice or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

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Honey Garlic Chicken

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Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of honey garlic chicken! This quick and easy dish features tender chicken breasts glazed in a luscious sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. With a balance of caramelized honey and aromatic garlic, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it over rice or alongside your favorite veggies to complete the meal!

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pure honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil for searing

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Instructions

1. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of cooking oil. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Pour the sauce over the seared chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 70mg