Oh, honey garlic chicken, where have you been all my life? This recipe is like a comforting hug from a long-lost friend, bringing a sweet and savory dance to the taste buds. Imagine the aroma—it’s like stepping into a cozy kitchen on a chilly autumn evening, where the world outside seems to pause, just for a moment.
Steps
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create four pieces, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each piece of chicken, shaking off the excess.
- Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat, reserving a small amount for later use.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another minute.
- Lower the heat to medium-high and create space in the pan to add minced garlic and the remaining butter, stirring briefly once the butter melts.
- Pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, stirring the mixture and bringing it to a simmer for about one minute until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the sauce, adding a bit of water if the sauce becomes too thick, then remove from the heat.
- Serve the chicken on plates, drizzling the remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup 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 soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 1292cal | Total Carbohydrates: 92g | Total Protein: 112g | Total Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 428mg | Sodium: 1600mg | Potassium: 1944mg | Total Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 1400IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use other proteins besides chicken breast?
- Yes, the Honey Garlic Sauce is versatile and can be used with beef, pork, lamb, prawns/shrimp, and even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the different proteins.
- What should I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Breast?
- The sauce is flavorful enough to drizzle over vegetables and rice, making it a great accompaniment. It pairs well with dishes like Cauliflower Rice, Cucumber Salad, Fried Rice, Macaroni Salad, or even Mac and Cheese.
- Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
- Absolutely, you can use cornflour or cornstarch instead of regular flour to make the dish gluten-free. The sauce will still adhere well to the chicken.
- Can the sauce be made with dark soy sauce?
- It’s recommended to use light or all-purpose soy sauce for this recipe, as dark soy sauce has a strong flavor that might overpower the dish.
- How can I make this recipe on a BBQ?
- For a BBQ version, you can use a Grilled Honey Soy Chicken recipe, which adapts the sauce for grilling.
Tips
- Dust the chicken with flour before cooking to create a slight crust, which helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
- Adjust the cook time based on the protein you choose, ensuring to add garlic and sauce ingredients before the meat is fully cooked, so it finishes cooking as the sauce thickens.
- If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with cornstarch, which will provide a similar effect without compromising the sauce’s ability to cling to the chicken.
Equipment
- Large Skillet: A good quality large skillet is essential for searing the chicken and simmering the sauce.
- Garlic Press or Mince: For mincing garlic cloves efficiently.
- Meat Mallet or Knife: To split chicken breasts in half horizontally.
- Shallow Dish: For coating chicken in flour.
