Finding delicious and quick Food Recipes For Dinner can be a game-changer, especially on busy weeknights. This 5-ingredient honey garlic chicken recipe is not only incredibly easy to make in just 15 minutes, but it also delivers a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. The addictively delicious honey garlic sauce is the star of the show, making this dish a guaranteed family favorite.
Life can get hectic, and sometimes the thought of preparing a complicated dinner is just overwhelming. That’s where simple yet satisfying recipes like this honey garlic chicken come to the rescue. With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a flavorful and wholesome meal on the table in less time than it takes for takeout to arrive.
This recipe is all about efficiency without compromising on taste. Just imagine tender pieces of chicken coated in a luscious, sticky honey garlic sauce. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the honey providing a delightful sweetness, the soy sauce adding umami richness, and the garlic bringing in a pungent kick. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a hint of spice, elevating the flavor profile even further.
What makes this honey garlic chicken truly special is its versatility. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also easily add your favorite steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or snow peas to create a complete and balanced meal.
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its simplicity. With just five main ingredients – chicken, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes – you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. This minimizes your grocery list and maximizes your time, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families seeking easy food recipes for dinner.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good sauce, and this honey garlic sauce is truly exceptional. It’s so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight from the pan! Drizzling it generously over the chicken and your chosen sides is highly recommended to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
To ensure your honey garlic chicken turns out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast cooks quickly, especially when cut into small cubes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming dry. The goal is tender and juicy chicken, and overcooking will make it tough.
- The Sauce is Forgiving: Even if you slightly overcook the chicken, the flavorful honey garlic sauce will help keep it moist and palatable. This recipe is quite forgiving, making it great for beginner cooks.
- Chicken Thighs as an Alternative: While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Keep in mind that chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce is Key: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add a pinch of salt to taste if needed, but it’s easier to control the sodium level from the start. For a gluten-free version, substitute with tamari.
- Make it a Complete Meal: Serve this honey garlic chicken with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner. Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are all excellent choices.
Delicious Topping Ideas
Want to take your honey garlic chicken to the next level? Consider adding some fresh toppings to enhance the flavor and presentation:
- Sliced Green Onions: Add a pop of freshness and mild onion flavor.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Bring in herbaceous notes and vibrant color.
- Chopped Peanuts: Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the dish and adds a tangy zest.
- Extra Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick.
- Sriracha Drizzle: Add a spicy kick with a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your perfect flavor combination!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover honey garlic chicken (though it’s unlikely!), store it properly to enjoy it later.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Store with the Sauce: Make sure to store the chicken with the honey garlic sauce. The sauce will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Ensure the chicken is heated evenly and avoid overheating, which can make it dry.
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
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 to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)
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.
- Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Remember to be mindful of the sodium content in soy sauce when seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, browning one side.
- While the chicken is browning, prepare the honey garlic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet and toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly.
- Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly and beautifully glazed the chicken.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
- Don’t Overcook: As mentioned before, be careful not to overcook the chicken breast as it can become dry. Cook just until it’s cooked through.
- Chicken Thighs: Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Soy Sauce Options: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles. Add steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or skillet, ensuring to reheat with the sauce to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 665mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 54g
