If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, look no further than this Asian Honey Garlic Chicken! With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, this recipe is not only simple but also incredibly delicious. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Slice the green onions and set them aside for garnish later.
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended, creating a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey garlic marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if time allows.
- While the chicken is marinating, heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and place the chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side, or until it develops a nice golden-brown color.
- Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices.
- While the chicken is resting, you can reduce the sauce in the skillet if desired. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving platter. Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve the Asian Honey Garlic Chicken warm with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: For the best taste, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating it for a few hours or even overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the marinade to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly.
- Serve with Sides: This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad. Consider adding a side of sesame noodles for an extra Asian flair!
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t skip the garnish! Sliced green onions and sesame seeds not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
- Sauce Reduction: If you like a thicker sauce, let the reserved marinade simmer in the skillet for a few extra minutes after removing the chicken. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 120mg
