This 5-ingredient, 15-minute honey garlic chicken recipe, featuring an irresistibly delicious sauce, is your perfect solution for a fast and easy weeknight dinner! If you’re searching for simple Chicken Food Ideas that don’t compromise on flavor, look no further.
Monday is here again, and for many, it signals the start of a busy week filled with work, school, and extracurricular activities. When time is of the essence, and you need to get a wholesome meal on the table quickly, easy recipes become your best friend.
That’s where this incredible honey garlic chicken recipe comes in. Requiring just 5 simple ingredients and ready in a mere 15 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on hectic evenings. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – the flavor is anything but basic.
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the sauce. Imagine a sticky, sweet honey glaze perfectly balanced with savory soy sauce, a punch of garlic, and a subtle warmth from red pepper flakes. It’s so good, you might find yourself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pan!
This honey garlic sauce isn’t just for the chicken; it’s meant to be drizzled generously over everything on your plate. Chicken, rice, vegetables – let it all soak in that delectable, flavorful glaze. Seriously, don’t be shy; coat your entire plate!
This recipe is not only incredibly quick and easy but also versatile. If you love the flavor combination, you can also explore other variations like slow cooker honey garlic chicken for a hands-off approach or Instant Pot honey garlic chicken for an even faster cooking time. For a more vegetable-packed meal, try honey garlic chicken stir fry, ready in just about 25 minutes. And if you’re a fan of pork, don’t miss the 15-minute honey garlic pork chops. These are all fantastic chicken food ideas and flavor extensions stemming from this core recipe!
But for today, let’s focus on this amazing 15-minute honey garlic chicken. Below, you’ll find helpful notes, tips, and substitution suggestions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Keep reading for all the details, or jump straight to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Since the chicken is cut into small cubes, it cooks very quickly. This is ideal for a fast meal, but it also means it’s easy to overcook. Keep a close eye on the chicken and cook just until it’s cooked through to prevent it from becoming dry.
- The Sauce is Forgiving: The beauty of this recipe is in the honey garlic sauce. Even if the chicken is slightly overcooked, the flavorful and moist sauce will help to keep it palatable.
- Chicken Thighs as a Substitute: If you prefer dark meat, you can easily substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Keep in mind that chicken thighs will take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce is Recommended: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add a pinch of salt at the end if needed. For a gluten-free version, substitute with tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Make it a Complete Meal: To create a balanced and satisfying meal, simply serve this honey garlic chicken with steamed rice and your favorite vegetable. Broccoli, green beans, or snow peas are excellent and quick options. Steam-in-the-bag vegetables are also a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
For a lower-carb option, consider serving this dish with easy cauliflower rice. Alternatively, quinoa, rice noodles, or angel hair pasta are great choices for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce. These are just a few ideas to expand your chicken food ideas repertoire!
Flavor-Boosting Topping Ideas
Want to elevate your honey garlic chicken even further? Toppings are the perfect way to add extra flavor and texture. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sliced Green Onions: Add a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color.
- Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Chopped fresh herbs brighten the dish and provide a contrasting flavor note.
- Chopped Peanuts: For a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a touch of acidity and balances the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit more heat, add an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Sriracha Drizzle: For a spicy kick, a drizzle of sriracha is a fantastic addition.
Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your perfect flavor combination!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover honey garlic chicken is perfect for lunch the next day! Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure to store the chicken with the sauce; this will help prevent it from drying out during reheating. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop until heated through.
Enjoy this quick and easy honey garlic chicken recipe! It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of chicken food ideas and is sure to become a family favorite.
XO,
Kathryn
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes (about ½ inch)
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat)
Optional for Serving:
- Cooked brown rice, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Lightly season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Be mindful that soy sauce is already salty.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned on one side, about 3-4 minutes.
- While the chicken is browning, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the chicken and toss to coat all the pieces evenly. Continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 4-5 more minutes.
- Serve hot over steamed rice and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, if desired.
Recipe Notes
Tip for Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as the small pieces cook quickly. However, the delicious honey garlic sauce is very forgiving and will help keep the chicken moist even if it’s slightly overcooked.
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the sodium content. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over steamed rice and a side of your favorite steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Other great options include quinoa, cauliflower rice, or thin noodles.
Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, ensuring you reheat with the sauce to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 665mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 54g
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