Honey Garlic Chicken Bliss

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds - Chopped green onions To make honey garlic chicken, gather the main ingredients first. You need four chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless. This keeps the dish lean and easy to cook. Honey adds sweetness and glaze. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels. Fresh garlic and ginger bring strong flavors. Olive oil helps cook the chicken. Don't forget salt and pepper to season. For a nice touch, consider optional garnishes. Sesame seeds add crunch and flavor. Chopped green onions add a fresh look and taste. Both make the dish pop and look great on your plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} Whisking the honey garlic sauce First, grab a mixing bowl. Add 1/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This sauce will give your chicken a sweet and savory kick. Seasoning the chicken breasts Next, take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step makes the chicken tasty and enhances its natural flavor. Searing the chicken breasts Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side. You want a golden brown color for a nice crust. Adding the sauce and cooking After searing, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Resting the chicken Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes. This step is important because it helps keep the chicken juicy. Serving suggestions Slice the chicken and drizzle the remaining sauce from the skillet over it. For a nice touch, you can sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. This adds a pop of color and flavor to your dish. Enjoy your honey garlic chicken breast! To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This keeps the chicken juicy and safe to eat. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white with no pink inside. For thickening the sauce, let it simmer uncovered. This helps reduce the liquid. Stir often to avoid burning. If you want it thicker, mix a little cornstarch with water. Add this mixture while the sauce is simmering. It will help the sauce cling to the chicken better. Marinade options can add great flavor. Try adding lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. These add a nice tangy taste. You can also use herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy twist. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best taste. Pairing side dishes can elevate your meal. Consider steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. These sides add color and nutrition to your plate. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: To achieve a golden-brown crust, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will help seal in the juices and enhance the flavor. Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes after removing the chicken. This will concentrate the flavors even more. Garnish for Presentation: Adding sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch and fresh flavor to the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the sweetener in this recipe. Instead of honey, try maple syrup or agave. Each sweetener gives a different twist to the dish. You can also use brown sugar if you want a deeper flavor. Adding vegetables to the skillet is another great option. You can toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. This not only adds color but also makes the meal more filling. Cook the veggies with the chicken for a tasty one-pan dish. You can bake this honey garlic chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and pour the sauce over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is done. This method gives a nice glaze and helps the chicken stay juicy. A grilled variation is also a fantastic choice. Marinate the chicken in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. The grill adds a smoky flavor that enhances the sweetness of the sauce. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to pour any extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken. Wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap. It can last in the freezer for about three months. To reheat your honey garlic chicken, use the stove for the best results. Place the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Cover with a lid to heat it evenly. This method helps prevent drying out. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts and cover the chicken to keep it juicy. You can add some heat to this dish with red pepper flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon. Taste, then add more if you like it spicier. You can also use spicy garlic sauce in place of regular garlic. This will give you that sweet and spicy mix. If you need a soy sauce substitute, try tamari or coconut aminos. Both options work well and add flavor. You can also use a mix of water and balsamic vinegar. This mix is a bit sweeter but can still taste great in the dish. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and add more flavor. Cook them the same way as chicken breasts. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 75°C. This way, they will be safe to eat and delicious. You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. A longer soak helps the flavors soak in. If you are in a hurry, even 30 minutes will help. Just remember to keep it in the fridge while marinating. Yes, you can make it ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. This way, you save time on busy days and enjoy a tasty meal. This blog covered everything you need for perfect honey garlic chicken. We explored key ingredients, like chicken breasts, honey, and soy sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions from preparation to serving. Plus, tips for great flavor and cooking methods offer more options. Remember to store your leftovers properly and enjoy them later. With easy variations and answers to your questions, you now have what you need to impress at any meal. Cook with confidence and enjoy your delicious dish!$

A delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 third cup honey
1 fourth cup soy sauce (low sodium)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
to taste chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger until well combined. Set aside.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
Remove the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken.
Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Drizzle the remaining sauce from the skillet over the sliced chicken and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Notes

Serve with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic