Honey Chicken is a delicious mix of crispy chicken and a sweet, sticky glaze that’s full of flavor. The natural sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the savory bite of the chicken, creating a dish that’s sure to be a hit. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or sharing it with friends, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why We Love This Honey Chicken Recipe
There are many reasons why this honey chicken recipe quickly becomes a favorite among home cooks. First and foremost, the simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible to everyone. You likely have most of these essentials in your kitchen already! The blend of flavors is exquisite, striking a perfect balance between sweet and savory. The addition of garlic and lemon juice enhances the dish, giving it an aromatic feel that tantalizes your taste buds.
Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. Honey chicken fits seamlessly into various menus, whether served over rice, alongside a fresh salad, or even as part of a larger feast. Furthermore, it lends itself to experimentation, allowing you to adjust the sweetness or add your favorite spices.
Ingredients for Honey Chicken
To make a delightful honey chicken dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. Chicken Breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
- Fresh Oregano or Italian Parsley (chopped for garnish)
Let’s explore the steps you need to take to prepare this cherished dish with the perfect combination of flavors.
How to Make Honey Chicken
Your culinary adventure begins by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender quickly. Pat the pieces dry using a paper towel, which helps achieve a nice crispy texture when cooked. Once dried, sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken pieces. This base layer of seasoning is essential to infusing flavor right from the start.
Next, take your cornstarch and place it in a bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch, ensuring every piece is well coated. This step not only enhances the chicken’s texture but also helps thicken the sauce later on.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning them until they are golden brown and cooked through. You want that beautiful sear to lock in the juices!
As the chicken finishes cooking, it’s time to elevate the dish. Add butter to the pan, followed by minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen as the honey begins to melt into the butter, creating a luscious sauce. Let the mixture cook and thicken for about five minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer alone for another five minutes before tossing the chicken back in.
Once everything is combined, sprinkle fresh oregano or parsley over the top for that vibrant touch. Serve your honey chicken warm, and, if you like, a drizzle of extra honey can add an extra layer of sweetness!
How to Serve Honey Chicken
Serving honey chicken can be just as fun as making it! The way you plate your dish can make it look irresistible. A clean, white plate contrasts beautifully with the deep golden hues of the honey chicken. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, allowing the grains to absorb that savory-sweet sauce. This not only adds a nice texture but also makes for a complete meal.
You might want to add some vegetables on the side, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed greens, to balance out the meal with freshness and color. A light salad can also work wonders to cut through the richness of the dish. Just do whatever feels right for you and your occasion!
Expert Tips: Honey Chicken
Creating the perfect honey chicken is all about technique and personal touches. Here are some expert tips to help you master this dish:
- Prep Ahead: Cut your chicken and prepare your sauce ingredients beforehand. This helps streamline your cooking process and makes it less stressful.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and lemon juice can enhance the flavors immensely. Fresh herbs as a garnish can also brighten the dish, making it visually appealing.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amounts of honey, lemon juice, or soy sauce based on your preferences. A bit more honey can increase that delightful sweetness, while additional lemon juice can brighten the entire flavor.
- Thoroughly Cook Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked until golden brown, achieving that delicious sear for added flavor. An instant-read thermometer can come in handy to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Plate Smartly: Presentation matters! Don’t shy away from garnishing with more herbs or a light drizzle of honey for a dreamy visual effect.
How to Store Honey Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens), you can store your honey chicken easily. Allow it to cool down to room temperature, then transfer the chicken into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to do so gently to avoid drying out the chicken; a quick sauté on the stove or a minute in the microwave should suffice.
You can also freeze honey chicken for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it on the stove.
Variations of Honey Chicken
The beauty of honey chicken lies in its versatility. Here are a few variations you can try out:
- Spicy Honey Chicken: If you prefer a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce. The heat from the chili will balance wonderfully with the sweet honey.
- Vegetable Honey Chicken: Incorporate some vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Just sauté them alongside the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
- Baked Honey Chicken: For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken instead of pan-frying. Coat the chicken pieces with the cornstarch mixture and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then drizzle the sauce over them for the last five minutes.
- Honey Chicken Stir-Fry: Use the same base recipe but add your favorite stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a quick and colorful dish.
- Honey Chicken Tacos: Shred the cooked honey chicken and serve it in soft corn tortillas topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado for a delicious twist.
FAQ about Honey Chicken
What is honey chicken?
Honey chicken is a dish featuring bite-sized pieces of chicken breast coated in a light cornstarch layer and cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made of honey, garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
How do you make honey chicken?
Start by seasoning the chicken, coating it with cornstarch, and pan-frying until golden. Add garlic, honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce, then cook until thickened. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Can you change the sweetness in honey chicken?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of honey based on your personal taste preferences. Add more honey for sweetness or incorporate a bit of lemon juice for balance.
Is leftover honey chicken good?
Yes! As long as it’s properly stored, leftover honey chicken can be enjoyed for several days. Reheat it carefully to maintain its flavor and texture.
Honey Chicken
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 cup Cornstarch For coating chicken
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For frying
- 4 tablespoons Butter For the sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Adds brightness to the dish
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- to taste Fresh Oregano or Italian Parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch until well coated.
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add butter, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, and soy sauce to the pan.
- Cook and stir for about five minutes until the sauce thickens; for a thicker sauce, simmer for an additional five minutes without the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley before serving.
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