Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken
The kitchen is a magical place where simple ingredients come together to create mouthwatering dishes. One of those recipes that consistently delights is Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual dinner party. The sweet and savory flavors meld beautifully, creating a tantalizing glaze that coats each piece of chicken perfectly. Whether served over rice or alongside fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken is a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. The sweetness of the honey complements the savory notes of the soy sauce, while the garlic adds a fragrant punch. Additionally, the dish can be easily customized with your favorite sides, making it a versatile option for any meal. Plus, who can resist the aroma of garlic sizzling in butter?
Gather These Ingredients
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
- Pepper to taste – A dash of black pepper enhances the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For an extra layer of garlic flavor.
- Flour for dredging – This will help create a crispy exterior.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided – Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the chicken.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock – Keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce – The star of the sauce!
- 1 tablespoon honey – Natural sweetness that balances the saltiness.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic for robust flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch – To thicken the sauce slightly.
What You’ll Need (Gear)
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following gear handy:
- Large skillet – For sautéing the chicken and making the sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to great flavor.
- Cutting board – A safe space for chopping garlic and prepping chicken.
- Sharp knife – For slicing the chicken and mincing garlic.
- Whisk – To mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Build Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides with pepper and sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the chicken.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Lightly dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. This will create a lovely crust when cooked.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 5: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce!
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the chicken and serve it over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce on top for an added flavor boost!
Better Choices & Swaps
If you’re looking to customize this dish, consider these swaps:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
- Swap maple syrup for honey if you prefer a different sweetness.
- Try coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free alternative.
- Add fresh ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
When making Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- If the sauce is too thin, make an additional cornstarch slurry and stir it in while cooking.
- If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
- For an overly salty sauce, balance it by adding an extra splash of honey.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can make Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prep:
Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth.
Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but cooking times will vary. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Sauté the chicken first, then add the sauce ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 8 minutes.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables also complement it well!
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour for dredging and swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
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In Closing
Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and savory flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet impressive. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can whip up a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to enjoy a flavorful dining experience that will have your family raving about dinner long after the plates are cleared. Enjoy every bite of this easy and delicious recipe!
Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season both sides with pepper and sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the chicken.
- Lightly dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. This will create a lovely crust when cooked.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce!
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the chicken to absorb some of the sauce.
- Slice the chicken and serve it over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. Drizzle extra sauce on top for an added flavor boost!
Notes
- Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth.
