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Honey Garlic Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe for Deliciousness

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Quick and easy Honey Garlic Chicken with crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect served over rice or noodles for a delicious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat. Add the beaten egg and toss again until well coated.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
  7. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly.
  8. Continue to cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
  9. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken to the saucepan with the honey garlic sauce.
  10. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
  11. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to further adhere to the chicken and heat through.
  12. Serve and Garnish: Remove the honey garlic chicken from the heat.
  13. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
  14. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
  15. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

  • Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist. Just make sure to trim any excess fat before cubing them.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to the dish. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, and snap peas are all great additions. Add them to the skillet after cooking the chicken and sauté them until tender-crisp before adding the sauce.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Sweetness: If you find the sauce too sweet, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
  • Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before adding the cooked chicken.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve this honey garlic chicken with white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or noodles. It also pairs well with stir-fried vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple salad.
  • Crispy Chicken Variation: For extra crispy chicken, you can double-fry it. After the first frying, let the chicken cool slightly, then fry it again for another 1-2 minutes until it’s even crispier.
  • Marinating the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the chicken absorb the flavors and become more tender.

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