Honey Garlic Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey garlic chicken is a perfect combination of crispy chicken and a sweet, garlicky sauce that’s full of flavor. The chicken is lightly seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices, fried until golden and crunchy, and then coated in a honey garlic sauce that will leave you wanting more. With a simple list of ingredients and an easy preparation method, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, family gatherings, or a special occasion. The best part? You can adjust the sweetness and garlic to suit your preferences!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut crosswise in half
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten

For the honey garlic sauce:

• ½ cup honey (or more, to taste)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Beat the eggs in another shallow bowl.
2. Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Stir to combine, then place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Coat the chicken in the sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce until they are fully coated.
6. Serve: Transfer the honey garlic chicken to a serving platter and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add heat: If you prefer a spicier version of honey garlic chicken, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
• Use chicken thighs: For a richer flavor, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
• Honey mustard sauce: For a variation, swap the honey for a mixture of honey and mustard for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to restore some of its crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even frying and cooking.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it on the stove before using.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to spray the chicken with cooking spray to help it crisp up.

4. Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, you can use other oils such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil for frying.

5. How can I make the sauce less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, use less honey or add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

6. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with garlic powder if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the 4 cloves of fresh garlic.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can add more cornstarch. Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering.

8. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They will be juicier and have more flavor than chicken breasts.

9. Can I make the honey garlic chicken spicier?

Yes, add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture, or incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce into the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick.

10. Can I freeze honey garlic chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. However, the texture may change slightly upon reheating, and the crispy coating might soften.

Conclusion

Honey garlic chicken is a delicious, quick, and easy dish that combines crispy chicken with a flavorful sweet and savory sauce. Whether served as a main course with rice, noodles, or vegetables, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The recipe is simple to follow and can easily be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Try this dish tonight and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, saucy, and flavorful goodness!

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