Introduction
Cooking can be both a practical skill and a delightful art, and this recipe for honey garlic chicken provides a perfect example of that balance. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet and savory elements makes this chicken dish appealing to all palates. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 pieces)
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white or other clear vinegar)
1 tablespoon light or all-purpose soy sauce
1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
Serves 2-4 people
This honey garlic chicken will surely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of any experience level. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four thin steaks. Once sliced, season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Dredge in Flour
In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, ensuring to shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping during cooking.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, over high heat, melt most of the unsalted butter (reserving about 1 teaspoon for later use) until it is bubbling and hot.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Add the floured chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is golden brown. Carefully flip each piece of chicken and cook the other side for an additional minute.
Step 5: Adjust the Heat
Reduce the heat slightly to medium-high to prevent the chicken from burning while you add the sauce ingredients.
Step 6: Sauté Garlic
Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. In the empty side, add the minced garlic along with the reserved teaspoon of butter. Stir briefly until the butter has melted and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey into the skillet. Stir or shake the pan to combine all the sauce ingredients thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow it to cook for about 1 minute, or until it slightly thickens.
Step 8: Coat the Chicken
Turn the chicken pieces in the skillet to coat them evenly with the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water and stir to reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken to plates and drizzle the remaining sauce generously over the top before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Chicken Preparation
Using thinly sliced chicken ensures quicker cooking time and helps the meat remain juicy.
Note 2: Dredging
Make sure to shake off excess flour to create a light coating, preventing a heavy crust.
Note 3: Sauce Consistency
Adjust the thickness of the sauce with water as needed to achieve your preferred texture.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This chicken dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Slicing Chicken Breast
Cut the chicken breast horizontally to create thinner steaks, which helps them cook evenly and quickly.
Seasoning
Use salt and pepper to season both sides of the chicken, enhancing the flavor before cooking.
Dredging in Flour
Coat the seasoned chicken in flour to form a light crust, adding texture and helping to achieve a golden brown color during cooking.
Melting Butter
Melt most of the butter in a skillet over high heat to ensure a hot surface for searing the chicken, promoting caramelization.
Cooking Chicken
Cook the chicken for a short time on high heat to develop a golden crust, flipping to ensure both sides are cooked properly.
Reducing Heat
Lowering the heat allows for better control over cooking and prevents burning while still allowing the sauce to develop.
Flavoring with Garlic
Add minced garlic to the pan when cooking is nearly complete to infuse the chicken and sauce with aromatic flavor.
Making the Sauce
Combine the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey in the skillet to create a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the chicken.
Coating Chicken in Sauce
Turn the chicken in the sauce to ensure even coating, enhancing the flavor with the glaze from the skillet.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency without compromising flavor.
Serving
Transfer the chicken to plates and drizzle additional sauce over the top for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to confirm it is safe to eat.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil is a great substitute for butter and can provide a different flavor profile.
What can I use if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute with white vinegar or another clear vinegar of your choice.
Is it necessary to dredge the chicken in flour?
While not strictly necessary, dredging adds a delicious crust and helps the sauce adhere better.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, though it’s best to serve it fresh for optimal taste.
Conclusion
This deliciously tangy and sweet chicken recipe is a perfect balance of flavors that can elevate any meal. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner, while its appealing glaze ensures it will impress guests at special occasions. The combination of garlic, honey, and vinegar creates a unique sauce that pairs well with the succulent chicken breast, making every bite delightful.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Swap chicken for shrimp and prepare a quick and easy dish with a similar honey and garlic sauce.
Honey Soy Roasted Vegetables
Use the honey and soy sauce mixture to marinate a variety of seasonal vegetables and roast them for a flavorful side dish.
Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
Substitute chicken with pork chops, using the apple cider vinegar and honey mix for a delicious glaze that pairs beautifully with the meat.
Chicken Stir-Fry
Incorporate a variety of vegetables into the recipe and serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal with added crunch and freshness.
Honey Mustard Chicken
Replace soy sauce with mustard and follow the same cooking method for a different twist on flavors that still maintains sweetness and tanginess.
Honey Citrus Chicken
Add fresh orange or lemon juice to the honey sauce for a zesty variation that brightens up the dish, perfect for summer occasions.
