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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste For this dish, choose fresh chicken breasts. They should be plump and firm. The honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce brings saltiness. Together, they create a rich flavor. Garlic and ginger enhance the taste with a nice kick. - 2 green onions, sliced - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) Garnishes are fun! Green onions add a fresh crunch. Sesame seeds bring a nutty flavor and look great on the plate. Use these to make your dish pop! - Mixing bowl - Skillet - Oven-safe dish You'll need a mixing bowl to whisk the marinade. A skillet helps with searing, and an oven-safe dish is perfect for baking. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For the full recipe, follow the detailed instructions for a perfect honey garlic chicken dish! To make the marinade, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. This mix not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken. Marination time is key. I recommend at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for 2 hours. This lets the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. For perfect browning, use medium-high heat. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Once hot, add the chicken. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. This step seals in juices and adds flavor. Using an oven-safe skillet is a smart choice. You can move it directly from the stove to the oven. This saves you from using extra dishes and makes clean-up easier. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for cooking chicken evenly. Once the chicken is browned, pour the reserved marinade over it in the skillet. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for 2 hours. This allows the honey and soy sauce to soak in well. You can adjust sweetness by adding more honey or soy sauce for saltiness. Taste your marinade before adding it to the chicken. To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) inside. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Cut the chicken too soon, and it may dry out. You can grill or bake this chicken. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor, while baking gives even cooking. If you’re short on time, try an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Both methods keep the chicken moist and tender. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. {{image_2}} You can make your Honey Garlic Chicken even more tasty by adding veggies. Some great options are: - Broccoli - Bell peppers - Carrots - Snap peas Add these veggies in the last 10 minutes of baking. This way, they stay crisp and bright. If you want them softer, add them earlier. Just keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it cooks perfectly. If you like heat, try adding chili flakes or sriracha. Start with a small amount, like 1/2 teaspoon. Mix it into your marinade before pouring it over the chicken. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Balance the heat with a bit more honey if needed. Adjusting the flavors can make this dish even more exciting. For a gluten-free version, swap out soy sauce with tamari. This keeps the same great flavor without gluten. To thicken the sauce, use cornstarch or arrowroot. Mix one tablespoon with water, then stir it in while cooking. This will keep your sauce nice and thick. Enjoy your meal without worries! For the Full Recipe, check the main article! To keep your Honey Garlic Chicken fresh, use an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after serving. This helps maintain its taste and texture. Leftovers will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, cut the chicken into smaller pieces. This helps it freeze evenly and thaw faster. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. To reheat Honey Garlic Chicken without drying it out, consider these tips. The oven works well. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the moisture in. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid drying. To marinate chicken well, use a mix of flavors. I like to blend honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours or more. This helps the chicken soak up the flavors. Remember to coat all sides of the chicken. You want it to be evenly covered for a great taste! Yes, chicken thighs work great! They have more fat, making them juicy and tender. Thighs can add a different flavor, too. You can use boneless or bone-in thighs. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook fully. Always check that the internal temperature hits 165°F. Some tasty sides include: - Steamed rice - Stir-fried vegetables - Roasted broccoli - Mashed potatoes - Asian slaw These sides complement the sweet and savory taste of the chicken. They can balance the meal and add color to your plate! To lighten up Honey Garlic Chicken, use less honey. You can cut it by half. Swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce. This reduces sodium without losing flavor. You can also add more veggies to the dish. Try mixing in bell peppers or broccoli. This adds fiber and nutrients! Many Asian restaurants serve Honey Garlic Chicken. Look for Chinese or Thai places. Some casual dining spots also have it on the menu. Check local food apps for nearby options. You may find great variations, too! Honey garlic chicken is an easy and tasty dish. We covered the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step methods for cooking it. I shared tips for perfect flavor and texture and even offered ways to adapt the recipe. This dish is versatile, allowing you to add veggies or spice. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Remember to store or freeze leftovers properly for later enjoyment. You'll love how simple and satisfying this meal is!

Honey Garlic Chicken

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken with this easy recipe! Perfectly marinated chicken breasts are seared and baked, resulting in tender, juicy bites packed with sweet and savory goodness. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress everyone at your table. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your taste buds dance!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. This will be your marinade and sauce.

    Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish, and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Reserve the other half for later. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours for better flavor infusion.

      Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

        In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place it in the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

          After the chicken is nicely browned, pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet.

            Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

              Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices.

                Serve the chicken drizzled with the sauce from the skillet. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4