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For this tasty honey garlic chicken, gather these items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweet taste. - Tamari works well if you need a gluten-free option for soy sauce. - Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch. Use 1/2 teaspoon. - Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier dish. This recipe serves four people. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: About 30 grams - Total Fat: 9 grams - Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams - Carbohydrates: 40 grams - Sugars: 35 grams - Fiber: 0.5 grams This meal is not just tasty; it also packs a good amount of protein. Enjoy knowing you are making a healthy choice! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, mix your marinade. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. This blend brings sweet and savory notes to the chicken. Next, place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. Once your chicken is ready, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked all the way through. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. After cooking, take the chicken out of the pan. Pour the leftover marinade into the same skillet. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. This reduces the sauce and thickens it nicely. Next, drizzle this reduced sauce over the cooked chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. When you’re ready to serve, slice the chicken and sprinkle it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your delicious honey garlic chicken! To bring out the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it soak for up to 4 hours. This longer marination helps the flavors soak deep into the meat. Use fresh garlic and ginger for a stronger taste. They add a bright, zesty kick that makes the dish pop. For juicy chicken, cook on medium heat. If the heat is too high, the outside burns while the inside stays raw. Aim for a golden brown crust on both sides. Check the chicken's temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step helps keep the juices inside. Serve the chicken on a large platter for a stunning display. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken pieces. This adds a shiny finish that looks appealing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for color and crunch. These simple touches make the dish look gourmet and fancy. Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can plan ahead. Cooking Temperature: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness. Thickening Sauce: If you want a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas work great. Cut the veggies into bite-sized pieces. After marinating your chicken, sear the chicken first. Then, add the veggies to the pan. Cook until the chicken is golden and the veggies are tender. This adds color and nutrients to your meal. If you like heat, try a spicy version. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This gives your chicken a nice kick. The sweet honey will still balance the spice. Your taste buds will love the combo of sweet and spicy! You can also bake the chicken for less mess. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Marinate the chicken as usual. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. This method keeps the chicken juicy and allows for easy cleanup. Plus, you can roast some veggies on the same sheet for a complete meal! You can store leftover honey garlic chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays good for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing it. This helps keep the chicken juicy and fresh. You can also store the sauce separately to keep it from making the chicken soggy. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can also store it in a freezer bag. Honey garlic chicken lasts about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, avoid using the microwave for best results. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat until warmed through. If you use the oven, cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Reheating takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy it warm and flavorful! Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat, so they stay moist. Thighs also have a rich flavor that complements the honey garlic sauce. Just make sure to cook them through, reaching 165°F. I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you want a stronger taste, go for up to 4 hours. This time allows the flavors to soak into the chicken, making it juicy and tasty. You can serve this chicken with many sides. Rice is a great choice, as it soaks up the sauce well. Steamed vegetables add color and nutrients. A fresh salad also balances the meal nicely. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Marinate the chicken and store it in the fridge. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time. Just reheat it gently before serving to keep it juicy. The best way to check doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F. If you don't have one, cut into the chicken and make sure the juices run clear. This blog post covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for honey garlic chicken. You learned about ingredient swaps, nutritional facts, and how to make the dish shine. The variations offered new spins, like adding veggies or a spicy kick. Remember, you can store leftovers safely and reheat them for later. Enjoy making this tasty dish. With these steps, you’ll create a flavorful meal every time!

Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

A deliciously sweet and savory chicken dish glazed with honey garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 pieces green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the honey garlic marinade over the chicken. Seal or cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for stronger flavor).
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  • After removing the chicken from the skillet, add the leftover marinade to the same pan. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
  • Drizzle the reduced sauce over the cooked chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Slice the chicken and serve it on a platter, drizzled with the remaining sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic