Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 to 2½ lbs chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces); ½ cup corn starch; 1 cup filtered water; ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce); ⅓ cup honey (or more to taste); 1 to 2 Tbsp Sriracha sauce (added to desired spice level); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 Tbsp corn starch; 2 Tbsp cold water; sesame seeds (optional garnish); chives (optional garnish)

Introduction to Honey Garlic Chicken

If you’re looking for a quick and scrumptious dinner idea, this honey garlic chicken recipe is your answer. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of honey with the bold, savory flavor of garlic, creating a mouthwatering glaze that clings to tender pieces of chicken. With just five ingredients and a mere 20 minutes from prep to table, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip this up on a busy weeknight.

What Makes Honey Garlic Chicken a Go-To Recipe?

Honey Garlic Chicken is more than just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over a fluffy bed of white rice or pair it with seasonal veggies for a complete meal. Plus, if you’re a fan of a little kick, you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding Sriracha or red pepper flakes. As a bonus, the recipe allows for protein variations—think shrimp or even tofu for vegetarians—making it suitable for everyone at the dinner table.

Cooking can often feel daunting, but with this honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this flavorful adventure that will leave your taste buds singing! For more exciting recipes, check out Natasha's Kitchen for inspiration!

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken

Creating a delicious honey garlic chicken recipe is all about having the right ingredients ready. This simple stir fry uses everyday items that pack a delicious punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breast: Start with 2 to 2½ lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ideally cut into bite-sized pieces for easy cooking. This is the main protein of your dish.
Corn Starch: You’ll need ½ cup of corn starch for coating the chicken. This helps achieve that delightful crispiness while keeping the inside tender.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: A ⅓ cup of low sodium soy sauce adds savory flavor without overwhelming your dish with salt. If you're gluten-sensitive, consider using gluten-free soy sauce.
Honey: Sweeten things up with ⅓ cup of honey. Adjust to your taste for that perfect balance of sweetness.
Sriracha Sauce: For those who enjoy a little heat, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Sriracha. Don't worry; you can customize this according to your spice preference!
Garlic: Finally, don’t forget 3 cloves of minced garlic to infuse your sauce with rich flavor.

With these ingredients at hand, you’re all set to whip up a tasty dinner that’s sure to impress! For more tips on ingredient selection, check out this guide on cooking essentials.

Preparing Honey Garlic Chicken

If you're ready to whip up something delicious for dinner, this honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect choice. It's quick, easy, and packs a flavorful punch. Let's dive right into the preparation!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you get cooking, it's essential to have all your ingredients in one place. For this recipe, you’ll need:

2 to 2½ lbs of chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
½ cup of corn starch
1 cup of filtered water
⅓ cup of low sodium soy sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce if preferred)
⅓ cup of honey (adjust to taste)
1-2 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce (for a hint of heat)
3 cloves of garlic (minced)
Optional: sesame seeds and chives for garnish

Having everything on hand will streamline the cooking process and save you from running back and forth to the pantry.

Make the Sticky Honey Sauce

Next, let’s prepare that mouthwatering honey garlic sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, and minced garlic. Set the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until it comes to a gentle boil. To thicken your sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Once the original sauce is boiling, pour in your cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. Keep an eye on it as it thickens to your desired consistency; it should be nicely sticky!

Coat the Chicken Pieces

Now it’s time to prep the chicken. In a large zip-top bag, place your chicken pieces and sprinkle in the corn starch. Seal the bag and give it a good shake until the chicken is evenly coated. This step not only adds flavor but helps the sauce cling to the chicken beautifully.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly coat the bottom with oil. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in your skillet—avoid crowding, so it cooks evenly. Sauté the chicken for a few minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked (no pink inside!) and nicely golden. If you have too much chicken to fit at once, consider cooking it in batches to achieve that perfect sear.

Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and pour that delightful honey garlic sauce over it. Give it a gentle toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Want to enhance the flavor? Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Final Touches

Serve your delicious honey garlic chicken over a nest of white rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a color pop. This meal is sure to impress and is perfect for busy weeknights!

By following these simple steps, you’re well on your way to enjoying a mouthwatering dinner that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it a lifesaver for young professionals! Explore more about variations and serving suggestions to keep your dinners exciting. Happy cooking!

Variations on Honey Garlic Chicken

If you love the honey garlic chicken recipe, you’ll adore these variations that cater to different dietary preferences and tastes!

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a quick and delicious twist. Simply follow the original recipe, substituting shrimp for the chicken. Cook until the shrimp turns pink—about 3-4 minutes per side—ensuring you maintain that mouthwatering honey garlic sauce. For a hint of freshness, consider adding a splash of lime juice right before serving!

Honey Garlic Tofu

For a delightful vegetarian option, try honey garlic tofu. Press and cube your tofu, then sauté until golden brown for a hearty texture. Follow the same sauce method, and enjoy a vegan-friendly meal that’s just as satisfying. Pro tip: add stir-fried veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for an extra nutrient boost!

These easy swaps allow you to enjoy the same great flavors while keeping your meals exciting!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Honey Garlic Chicken

When preparing this honey garlic chicken recipe, keep these tips in mind for the best results:

Prep Smart: Cut your chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. This ensures every bite is tender and coated in the delicious honey sauce.
Sauce Thickness: The key to that sticky glaze is the cornstarch slurry. If you want a thicker sauce, adjust the cornstarch gradually, but don't overdo it.
Customize Spice Levels: Love heat? Increase the Sriracha or add red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Meal Prep: This dish stores well! Make a larger batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Serving Ideas: Serve this over fluffy white rice, but don't forget to sneak in some steamed broccoli or snap peas for added color and nutrition!

For more tips on creating mouthwatering stir-fries, check out Serious Eats and America’s Test Kitchen for their expert guides!

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Chicken

When it comes to your honey garlic chicken recipe, the right pairings can take your meal from good to unforgettable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dinner experience:

Over Steamed Rice: Serve your chicken atop a fluffy bed of white rice. The sticky honey sauce complements the rice perfectly, soaking up all that delicious flavor.
Fresh Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for a vibrant contrast. Not only do they bring color to your plate, but they also add nutritional value.
Wrap It Up: For a fun twist, take the honey garlic chicken and stuff it into a tortilla with fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce. It makes for an easy wrap that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Garnish with Herbs: Enhance presentation by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped chives on top. These tiny touches make your dish look gourmet and taste even better!

No matter how you choose to serve it, this honey garlic chicken is a surefire hit with your friends and family.

Time Breakdown for Honey Garlic Chicken

Preparation Time
Getting ready is a breeze! You'll need just 5 minutes to chop your chicken and gather your ingredients.

Cooking Time
Once you're set, cooking this delicious honey garlic chicken takes about 15 minutes. You'll have a flavorful meal ready in no time!

Total Time
Altogether, this honey garlic chicken recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

For more tips on how to make your dinner quick and easy, check out 30-Minute Meal Ideas for inspiration. Don’t forget to enjoy the process! Cooking can be a lot of fun, especially when it’s this simple.

Nutritional Facts for Honey Garlic Chicken

Calories

Each serving of this delicious honey garlic chicken recipe contains approximately 349 calories. This makes it an excellent option for a satisfying meal that won’t break your calorie bank!

Protein

If you're looking to boost your protein intake, this dish is a good choice, offering about 30 grams of protein per serving. It's a great way to fuel your active lifestyle while enjoying a tasty dinner.

Sodium

With around 700 mg of sodium per serving, it’s a flavor-packed dish that balances well with other ingredients. To reduce sodium, consider using low-sodium soy sauce, or even whittle down the amount of soy in your sauce mix for a healthier option.

For more on the health benefits of cooking with garlic and honey, check out this insightful article on healthline.com. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!

FAQs about Honey Garlic Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! When using frozen chicken for this honey garlic chicken recipe, simply thaw it beforehand. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, follow the cooking instructions as usual. Keep in mind that frozen chicken might release extra moisture, so allow it to brown properly before adding the sauce.

How can I make this dish spicy?

If you’re looking to kick up the heat, adding more Sriracha sauce is an easy way to do it. Start with an extra tablespoon, then taste and adjust as needed. You can also keep things interesting by tossing in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce right before serving. Spice it up to match your preferences!

What toppings can I add for extra flavor?

To elevate your dish, sprinkle some sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top just before serving! You can also try adding chopped peanuts or cilantro for a refreshing twist. These toppings not only add texture but also enhance the flavor profile of your honey garlic chicken. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

For more tips on enhancing your meals, explore insights from Healthline.

Conclusion on Honey Garlic Chicken

In summary, this honey garlic chicken recipe is a delightful and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. With just five ingredients and a total cooking time of 20 minutes, you’ll satisfy your cravings without the hassle. Enjoy it over rice or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal!