Ingredients:
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, split
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon vinegar (white or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Lightly coat the chicken with flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is hot and foamy, add the chicken breasts.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and a crust forms.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir well to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating the chicken with the honey garlic sauce.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through and fully coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over cooked rice, spooning extra sauce over the top.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade honey garlic chicken dinner!
Note: You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the skillet when you simmer the chicken in the sauce for a complete and balanced meal.
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through properly.
2. Can I substitute honey with a different sweetener?
- Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might slightly change based on your choice of sweetener.
3. Is there a low-sodium alternative to soy sauce that I can use?
- Certainly, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or even tamari sauce as a substitute to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- While the chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and combine it with freshly cooked chicken when you’re ready to serve.
5. How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the flavors and texture.
6. What side dishes pair well with honey garlic chicken?
- This dish goes well with steamed rice, fried rice, quinoa, or noodles. For vegetables, consider serving it with steamed broccoli, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad.
7. Can I use this recipe for grilling chicken?
- Yes, you can marinate chicken in the honey garlic sauce and grill it for a delicious grilled honey garlic chicken variation. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
8. Can I freeze honey garlic chicken?
- It’s not recommended to freeze honey garlic chicken, as the sauce may separate and the texture of the chicken may change upon thawing. Freshly prepared honey garlic chicken is best enjoyed immediately or within a day or two if stored in the refrigerator.
9. Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
- Absolutely, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, according to your preference. Taste the sauce as it simmers and add honey incrementally until you achieve the desired sweetness level.
10. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce and ensuring the flour used to coat the chicken is gluten-free. Check all your ingredients’ labels to avoid gluten if you have dietary restrictions.
