Honey Chicken
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like Honey Chicken. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen filled with the sweet, sticky aroma of honey mingling with the sautéed chicken and spices. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted a meal that would warm my heart and soul. As I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, I could already envision my family gathered around the table, excitement in the air. This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a recipe that brings people together and makes any meal feel like a celebration. The perfect blend of sweet and savory, Honey Chicken quickly became a family favorite, and I just know it will be for you, too. Whether you’re craving something quick for dinner or looking to impress at your next gathering, this recipe fits the bill.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
5 mins
15 mins
Easy
370 kcal
30 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon, Whisk
What’s Great About This Honey Chicken
It’s Uniquely Sweet and Savory
One of the standout features of Honey Chicken is its delightful balance of flavors. The natural sweetness of honey perfectly complements the savory notes of soy sauce and garlic. This harmonious blend creates a sauce that clings to the chicken, making every bite a burst of deliciousness.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
We all have those nights when cooking feels like a chore. Luckily, Honey Chicken comes together in a flash! With just a handful of ingredients and about twenty minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a meal on the table that feels gourmet without the fuss.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Planning your meals for the week? Honey Chicken is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the sauce and cut the chicken ahead of time, storing them in separate containers. This way, when it’s time to cook, all you need to do is combine the ingredients, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Kid-Friendly Delight
If you have picky eaters at home, Honey Chicken is a surefire hit. The sweetness of the honey and the tender texture of the chicken make it appealing to little ones. Plus, you can serve it over rice or noodles, allowing them to customize their meal.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about Honey Chicken is its versatility. You can easily add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or even carrots to the mix, making it not just a protein-packed dish but also nutritionally balanced. Feel free to adjust the heat by adding more or less of the red pepper flakes.
Great for Entertaining
If you’re hosting a dinner party, Honey Chicken is an excellent choice! It’s a dish that impresses without being overly complicated. Just serve it alongside some steamed rice and a fresh salad, and your guests will be raving about your culinary skills.
Ingredients for Honey Chicken
When it comes to the ingredients for Honey Chicken, simplicity is key. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors. The star players are the chicken, which provides the protein, and the honey, which gives this dish its signature sweetness. The addition of soy sauce and spices enhances the taste, while broccoli adds a fresh crunch. Together, they create a meal that’s not only delicious but also satisfying.
- ½ cup honey: This natural sweetener is the heart of the dish, providing that signature sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with savory elements.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Introduces a mild heat to the dish, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers a hint of smokiness and color to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Enhances the savory notes and adds depth to the flavors.
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, it helps achieve that golden-brown color and crisp texture.
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped: This fresh vegetable adds crunch and nutrition to the dish.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein in this recipe, providing the substance and heartiness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and gives the sauce a rich, caramel-like quality.
Recipe Directions for Honey Chicken
Cooking Honey Chicken is an enjoyable experience! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll be savoring a mouthwatering meal. The process is straightforward, making it perfect for any home cook. Let’s dive in!
- Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they’re even so that they cook uniformly. Then, sprinkle some garlic salt and paprika over the pieces. This step is crucial for infusing flavor right from the start.
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, paprika, and the remaining garlic salt. Mixing these ingredients creates a sweet and savory sauce that will coat the chicken deliciously.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces. As they cook, stir frequently until they turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about five minutes.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the honey mixture over the top. At this point, the kitchen will start to smell amazing! Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.
- Now, add the chopped broccoli to the skillet. This vegetable will not only add nutrients but also a lovely texture contrast. Continue to cook and stir until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the sauce has thickened, about five to seven minutes.
- Once everything is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow the dish to rest for a minute. This wait allows the flavors to meld together even more.
- Serve the Honey Chicken over your choice of white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite enjoyable.
- Finally, ENJOY your meal! Feel free to garnish with additional red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Things Worth Knowing
- Make sure to cut the chicken evenly: This ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and high-quality honey can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Let it rest: Allowing the cooked Honey Chicken to rest for a few minutes helps the sauce to thicken and cling better to the chicken.
Helpful Notes about Honey Chicken
Cooking Honey Chicken is straightforward, but a few handy tips can make your cooking experience even smoother. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This makes for a quick and easy lunch the next day!
- Freezing: You can freeze Honey Chicken for 2 to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warm. You can also use the microwave, but stir occasionally to heat evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s also great served with fried rice.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the mix for added color and nutrition.
- Garnishing: Enhance the presentation by garnishing with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Serve Honey Chicken
When it comes to serving Honey Chicken, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. Here’s how to make your meal even more delightful:
- Over Rice: Serving Honey Chicken over fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making each bite even tastier.
- With Noodles: For a different twist, serve this dish over egg noodles or ramen for a comforting noodle bowl.
- As a Wrap: Use tortillas or lettuce leaves to create a scrumptious wrap filled with Honey Chicken and fresh veggies.
- For Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. It’s quick to prepare but feels special enough to impress your guests.
- Side Dishes: Pair with steamed broccoli, snow peas, or a vibrant salad to balance the sweetness of the dish.
- Lunchboxes: Leftover Honey Chicken makes a great addition to lunchboxes, served cold or reheated, along with some rice or salad.
FAQ
Conclusion
Honey Chicken is one of those recipes that effortlessly combines flavors, making it a standout dish for both family dinners and gatherings. The sweet and savory balance creates a delightful experience, one that will have everyone asking for seconds. I encourage you to try making it tonight; it’s an easy dish that brings joy and warmth to any table!
Honey Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and season with some garlic salt & paprika.
- In a bowl, whisk together your honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, paprika, and garlic salt.
- Cook chicken in hot olive oil and stir until lightly brown, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in honey mixture and chopped broccoli and continue to cook and stir until chicken is no longer pink and sauce has thickened.
- Serve over white or brown rice and ENJOY!
Notes
- Making ahead of time: Prepare the ingredients for this honey garlic chicken recipe ahead of time, but save the cooking until you’re ready to serve. Cut the chicken breasts and mix up the sauce then place them in separate airtight containers.
- Storage: Store leftover honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the dish for 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, use a large skillet and stir until hot. You can also use the oven or slow cooker to reheat.
