20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken – Quick and Delicious Meal
Honey Garlic Chicken is an effortless dish that packs a punch of flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this sweet and savory dish, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. With tender chicken pieces coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, this recipe is sure to please both adults and kids alike.
Why You’ll Love It
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is not only quick to make, but it’s also incredibly delicious and versatile. It features easy-to-find ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it’s customizable; you can tweak the flavors according to your taste or dietary needs. This simple dish is packed with protein, and it can easily be paired with rice, vegetables, or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Substitutions & Key Variations
- Chicken Breast: You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Honey: Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a different flavor.
- Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger can be used instead of ground ginger for a fresher taste.
- Garlic: Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference; more for a stronger flavor or less for a milder one.
Step-by-step
Step 1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be your flavorful sauce.
Step 2
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and cook until they are browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 3
Once the chicken is browned, pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat each piece well with the sauce.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Success Tips
- Temperature: Ensure your skillet isn’t too hot to avoid burning the chicken before it cooks through. A medium heat is ideal.
- Texture: The chicken should be moist but not overcooked. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Common Mistakes: Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This helps achieve a nicer browning on the chicken.
How to Serve
Honey Garlic Chicken can be served over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a filling meal. It also pairs well with sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad. Sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook and divide it into meal containers with your choice of sides.
4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during the cooking process can enhance the meal’s nutrition and flavor.
5. How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can add some red pepper flakes or sriracha for a kick if desired.
Nutrition Notes / Equivalents
Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein. This dish is relatively low in calories, especially if you control the amount of honey and use low-sodium soy sauce. The addition of green onions also increases its nutritional content, providing vitamins and fiber.
Conclusion
In just 20 minutes, you can create a delightful Honey Garlic Chicken dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its simple ingredients and fast preparation time, it’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try tonight!
Looking for more quick recipes? Check out these related dishes:
- 15-Minute Teriyaki Salmon
- Quick Stir-Fried Veggies
- 20-Minute Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Start your culinary adventure today!
Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup honey Can use maple syrup as a substitute.
- ¼ cup soy sauce Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free option.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adjust the amount according to preference.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger Fresh ginger can be used for a fresher taste.
- to taste salt and pepper Taste preference.
- to taste chopped green onions for garnish Optional.
- to taste sesame seeds for garnish Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be your flavorful sauce.
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and cook until they are browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat each piece well with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch.