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For this Chinese honey garlic chicken breast, you need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - ¼ cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry) - ½ teaspoon black pepper You can enhance your dish with: - 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Cooked rice (for serving) If you don't have certain items, try these swaps: - Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. - Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness. - Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. - Swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if needed. These ingredients bring balance and flavor to the dish. The honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce provides saltiness. Garlic and ginger give depth, making every bite special. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - ¼ cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - ½ teaspoon black pepper This blend gives your chicken a sweet and savory flavor. After mixing, place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can leave it for up to 2 hours. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but save that flavorful liquid for later. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Check the chicken's internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps keep the chicken juicy. While the chicken bakes, let’s make the sauce. Transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer, stirring often. After a few minutes, add a cornstarch slurry made from 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Once the chicken is done and rested, slice it. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal over a bed of cooked rice! To get the best taste from your Honey Garlic Chicken, follow these tips: - Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This step adds strong flavor. - For more depth, let it marinate up to 2 hours. You'll notice a big difference. - Use fresh garlic and ginger. They make the sauce vibrant and tasty. - Preheat your oven to the right temperature. This ensures even cooking. - Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to avoid undercooked chicken. This dish pairs well with simple sides: - Serve the chicken on a bed of warm cooked rice. The rice absorbs the sauce. - Add steamed vegetables for color and nutrition. Broccoli or green beans work great. - Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds for a fresh look. It adds crunch too. - A light salad on the side can balance the meal. Try a cucumber salad for a cool bite. Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: - Don’t skip the marinating step. Skipping it means missing out on flavor. - Overcooking the chicken makes it dry. Keep an eye on the timer. - Forgetting to reserve marinade for the sauce is a common mistake. This sauce ties the dish together. - Not letting the chicken rest after baking can lead to dry meat. Give it a few minutes before cutting. By following these tips, you’ll achieve a flavorful and well-presented Honey Garlic Chicken that impresses everyone at the table! Pro Tips Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours for maximum flavor absorption, or even overnight if time permits. Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Thick Sauce Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two after adding the cornstarch slurry until you reach the desired consistency. Serving Suggestion: Pair the chicken with steamed broccoli or snap peas to add color and nutrition to your meal. {{image_2}} You can cook Honey Garlic Chicken in several ways. Baking is the easiest method. It keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. You can also grill it for a smoky taste. Simply marinate the chicken as usual, then grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Another option is stir-frying. This method cooks the chicken quickly and gives a nice char. Just slice the chicken into strips before cooking. Each method offers a unique texture and taste. You can easily change the flavor of Honey Garlic Chicken. To make it spicy, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. This gives the dish a nice kick. For a sweeter version, increase the honey. You can also add orange juice or zest for a fruity twist. Mixing in a bit of hoisin sauce can add depth and richness. These simple changes keep the dish exciting and fun. Pairing your Honey Garlic Chicken with different sides can enhance the meal. Serve it over jasmine rice or brown rice for added texture. You might also try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or carrots add color and nutrition. For crunch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts or cashews on top. Each side brings something new to the table and makes your meal more balanced. To store leftover honey garlic chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to add any extra sauce on top. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. When you’re ready to eat, take the chicken from the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, place the chicken on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 1-2 minutes. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to label it with the date. The chicken stays good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above for best results. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They add more flavor and stay juicy. Thighs are darker meat. This makes them tender and rich. They also absorb the marinade well. Just make sure to adjust cooking time. Thighs may need a bit longer to cook through. You can marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up the tasty honey garlic sauce. If you marinate too long, the chicken can become mushy. So, stick to the time limit for great results. Honey Garlic Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Fried rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - A fresh salad These sides balance the sweet flavors of the chicken. They add color and nutrition to your meal. Enjoy mixing and matching them to find your favorite combo! In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients and steps to make Honey Garlic Chicken. You learned about marinating, cooking, and preparing the sauce. I shared tips for great flavor and how to avoid common mistakes. We also looked at different variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy your dish and make it your own!

Honey Garlic Chicken Delight

A delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pieces scallions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper to make the marinade.
  • Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • While the chicken is baking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Drizzle the thickened honey garlic sauce over the sliced chicken and sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken on a large plate, arranged attractively with a sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds. Pair with steamed vegetables for added color and nutrition.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic