Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, quick to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve with rice or veggies for a complete meal.

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: Coat the Chicken with Cornstarch
   Begin by placing your bite-sized chicken pieces into a bowl, then sprinkle them with cornstarch. Toss the chicken around until each piece gleams with an even, fine dusting of cornstarch. This step will give your chicken that irresistible golden crust when cooked, so make sure every piece is covered.

2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden
   Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, indicating it's hot enough, add the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces. Let them sizzle away, turning occasionally, until they achieve that lovely golden brown hue and are thoroughly cooked. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Once they're done, transfer them to a plate and keep them close by; they'll be making a return appearance soon.

3. Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
   With the skillet still warm and flavored from the chicken, add the minced garlic. Stir it around gently, keeping a close watch to avoid burning, until the garlic turns aromatic and just begins to color. This should take around a minute, and it's a great way to let the garlic release its full potential into the dish.

4. Step 4: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of chili flakes if you're feeling spicy. This mixture is the heart of the dish, bringing sweet and savory together in harmony. Pour this delightful concoction into the skillet with the garlic, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Not only will this blend all these wonderful flavors, but it also thickens the sauce to perfect clinginess.

5. Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
   Return the previously cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the rich honey garlic sauce. Let everything mingle and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce envelops the chicken and thickens just a bit more. At this point, the kitchen should be filled with a mouthwatering aroma, signaling it's nearly time to dig in.

6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve
   To finish, sprinkle the dish with sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. These garnishes add a delightful crunch and a pop of color, making the dish as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Serve the chicken warm over a bed of steaming rice or your favorite noodles, and enjoy the meal with a satisfied smile.

Notes

When whipping up this delightful honey garlic chicken, it’s easy to stumble upon a few common pitfalls. No worries, though—I've got your back!

First, don’t rush the cornstarch coating. It's tempting to skip or undercoat, but it’s essential for achieving that crispy texture. Take your time to ensure each piece is well-dusted for a nice crust.

Another hiccup? Overcrowding the skillet. It’s best to cook the chicken in batches if needed. This ensures a good sear on each piece and prevents steaming.

Lastly, be cautious with the garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—any longer, and it can burn, lending a bitter taste to your dish.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and the delicious results!