Ah, honey garlic chicken—a true testament to the sweet and savory symphony that dances across your taste buds. This dish, reminiscent of a cozy evening spent by the fireplace as the world outside goes on without you, is both an effortless creation and a delightful indulgence. Imagine a golden glaze, sticky yet smooth, wrapping around tender chicken pieces—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day.
Steps
- Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to make four thin steaks. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a shallow dish and coat each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, melt most of the butter over high heat, reserving about a teaspoon. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden, then flip and cook for another minute.
- Lower the heat to medium-high and create some space in the skillet. Add the garlic along with the remaining butter, stirring briefly once it melts.
- Pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, stirring the pan to mix the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for about a minute until it thickens slightly.
- Turn the chicken in the sauce to coat it evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water and stir.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the chicken on plates, drizzling any leftover sauce over the top.
Ingredients
- 500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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 vinegar
- 1 tablespoon light or all-purpose soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey, or maple syrup
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1292cal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 112g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 428mg | Sodium: 1600mg | Potassium: 1944mg | Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 1400IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different protein instead of chicken breast?
- Absolutely! The honey garlic sauce works well with a variety of proteins such as beef, pork, lamb, shrimp, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the specific protein you choose.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the flour with cornflour or cornstarch to make the recipe gluten-free. Keep in mind that it might not brown as evenly, but the taste will remain delicious once covered in the sauce.
- Can I make this dish on the grill instead of a skillet?
- Yes, you can grill the chicken. Use a similar honey soy sauce marinade for grilling to achieve a comparable flavor profile.
- What can I serve alongside Honey Garlic Chicken Breast?
- This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. It goes great with rice, cauliflower rice, or even a fresh salad. The strong flavors of the sauce complement both Asian-inspired and Western sides, like fried rice or macaroni salad.
- Is there a way to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
- If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a small amount of water and stir to achieve the desired consistency.
Tips
- To ensure the sauce adheres well to the chicken, lightly coat the chicken breast pieces with flour before searing. This creates a slight crust that helps the sauce cling better.
- Adjust the cooking time if using different proteins such as beef, pork, or tofu. The key is to add the garlic and sauce ingredients before the meat is fully cooked, allowing it to finish cooking as the sauce thickens.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, simply add a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute cornflour or cornstarch for regular flour. While it may not brown as evenly, the sauce will still provide a delicious coating.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – Essential for searing and simmering the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic Press or Mincer – Useful for mincing garlic cloves.
- Shallow Dish – Needed for coating the chicken in flour; while a common household item, specific dishes designed for dredging may be of interest.
- Kitchen Tongs – Helpful for turning the chicken in the skillet.
