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Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prep the Chicken
   Begin by cutting your chicken into either bite-sized pieces or leaving them whole, depending on your liking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they brown nicely. A little sprinkle of salt and pepper will go a long way in enhancing their natural flavors.

2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn a delightful golden brown. Once cooked, set the chicken aside on a clean plate.

3. Step 3: Create the Aromatic Base
   With the chicken set aside, lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma—be cautious not to let it burn!

4. Step 4: Make the Sauce
   Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to the garlic. Stir these together until well-combined, then create a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a splash of water in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to the skillet, allowing the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens up nicely.

5. Step 5: Combine and Serve
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is generously coated in the lovely sauce. Allow it to heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Once ready, serve up this delicious dish, scattering sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for that perfect finishing touch.

Notes

Embarking on the journey of making Honey Garlic Chicken can be a fun culinary adventure. However, a few hiccups might come along the way.

For starters, the chicken can often turn out a little too dry. To keep it juicy, ensure not to overcook it. A kitchen timer will be your best friend here.

Another common slip-up is missing out on the cornstarch slurry or not mixing it well enough. This crucial step thickens the sauce, giving it that delightful coating. Stir thoroughly to avoid lumps—smooth sauce is key!

Also, too much heat can overwhelm the balance of flavors. If you're using chili flakes, start with a sprinkle and adjust to your spice preference.

And don't forget the garnishes! They might seem like a trivial detail, but sesame seeds and green onions add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.

Remember, each misstep is just part of the learning process. Happy cooking!

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken Dish, Sweet Garlic Chicken Recipe, Honey-Glazed Garlic Chicken, Garlic Honey Chicken Recipe, Honey and Garlic Chicken Meal.