Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The tender chicken is coated in a rich honey garlic sauce that caramelizes as it cooks, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful glaze. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
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1/2 cup honey
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Thicken the Sauce (optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
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Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet with the sauce, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce.
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Serve: Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top. Pair with rice, vegetables, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Notes
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You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat for extra flavor.
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If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
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For a slightly different twist, you can add a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for a nuttier flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-American