Honey Garlic Chicken

$- 4 boneless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce - 4 cloves minced garlic - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, sliced - Sesame seeds When I make Honey Garlic Chicken, I always focus on the right ingredients. The chicken thighs should be boneless for easy cooking. I love using honey for sweetness and low sodium soy sauce for flavor without too much salt. Minced garlic adds a nice kick, while fresh ginger gives a warm spice. For cooking, I use sesame oil and olive oil. Sesame oil adds a nutty taste that pairs well with the dish. I season the chicken with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. To finish, I like to garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and a crunchy texture. This simple recipe brings together fresh ingredients for a delightful meal. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This mix combines sweet and savory flavors. The garlic adds depth, and ginger gives a hint of warmth. Make sure to blend it well so all the flavors mix. Next, grab your chicken thighs. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating it completely. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This step is key to getting juicy, flavorful chicken. Now, it’s time to cook! Heat sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Reserve that marinade for later. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden-brown color. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate. Now, pour the reserved marinade into the same skillet. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will enhance the flavor even more. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce until it’s well-glazed. This step makes your dish shine! Serve your Honey Garlic Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of this dish! To start, make sure your chicken is at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. If you take it straight from the fridge, the outside cooks faster than the inside. Room temperature chicken will give you juicy, tender bites. Want a richer flavor? Marinate the chicken for longer. I recommend at least one hour, but two hours is better. If you like spice, add chili flakes to the marinade. This will give your dish a nice kick. Just a pinch will do! Serving Honey Garlic Chicken is simple. Pair it with rice or steamed vegetables. The rice will soak up the sweet sauce. Steamed veggies add color and crunch. This combination makes a complete meal that everyone will love. For the full recipe, check out the previous sections! {{image_2}} You can easily swap the chicken thighs for other proteins. Chicken breasts work well if you want a leaner option. Tofu provides a great plant-based choice. You can also try shrimp for a seafood twist. Each option changes the flavor but keeps the dish delicious. Feel free to adjust the sauce to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy kick, try adding a splash of vinegar. These simple changes can make the sauce taste unique and exciting. Adding extras can really enhance the dish. Consider mixing in some orange zest for a citrusy twist. Sesame seeds add a nice crunch and nuttiness. These small changes can deepen the flavor and make your Honey Garlic Chicken special. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Make sure the container seals well. You can enjoy the sweet and savory flavors even after a few days. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before digging in. Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This is perfect for meal prep. Just let the chicken cool down before you freeze it. Label the container with the date. This way, you know how long it has been in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, it will be a quick and easy meal option. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through to maintain flavor. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the chicken moist. Stir occasionally for even heating. If using a microwave, cover the chicken to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken just like it was freshly made! To ensure your Honey Garlic Chicken is tender, marinate it for at least 30 minutes. Marinating helps break down the meat fibers, making it softer. Use a mix of honey and soy sauce, which adds flavor and moisture. Cooking times matter too. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it's fully cooked but not dry. Yes, you can make Honey Garlic Chicken in advance. Simply marinate the chicken and place it in the fridge. You can marinate it for up to 2 hours. When you are ready to eat, take it out and cook it. This makes it easy for busy days or meal prep. You get to enjoy a tasty dish without a lot of work. For sides, rice pairs perfectly with Honey Garlic Chicken. You can use white rice or brown rice, both are great choices. Stir-fried veggies also add color and nutrients. A fresh salad can lighten the meal and add crunch. Mixing different sides makes the meal balanced and enjoyable. You now have a clear guide to making delicious Honey Garlic Chicken. Start with simple ingredients like chicken, honey, and soy sauce. Follow the steps to marinate, cook, and serve. Remember tips on enhancing flavors and storing leftovers. You can also try variations with different proteins or sauces. This dish is easy to prepare and sure to please. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken that combines tender chicken thighs with a mouthwatering marinade! This easy recipe features honey, garlic, and a hint of ginger for the perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, it's quick to prepare and sure to impress.

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Ingredients

4 boneless chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger to create the marinade.

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Heat the sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown exterior.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce until well-glazed.

Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4