If you’re craving a delicious yet quick dinner, look no further than our 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken. This dish brings together the sweet and sticky richness of honey and garlic with perfectly tender chicken for a meal your family will love, all in record time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey and garlic creates a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will appreciate the tasty simplicity of this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create something magical. Each ingredient plays its own role in crafting an unforgettable dining experience.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This provides a light base for browning the chicken, adding subtle flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into cubes for quick cooking and tender results.
- Honey: Adds a sweet, sticky element to the sauce, balancing the garlic’s boldness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering with salt.
- Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic essence that’s integral to the dish’s taste.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional heat to spice things up if desired.
Variations
Feeling creative? This recipe is a wonderful canvas for personal twists. Here are a few ideas to customize your 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken to fit any palate or dietary need.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken with firm tofu for a plant-based version.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers or snap peas for added color and crunch.
- Nutty Crunch: Add toasted cashews or almonds for an extra layer of texture.
How to Make 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Heat and Season
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Remember, a little salt goes a long way because you’ll be adding soy sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet and let them brown on one side, for about 3 to 4 minutes. This initial browning step imparts a delicious flavor and seals the chicken.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While your chicken is browning, whisk together your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This creates the perfect glaze balanced with sweetness and heat.
Step 4: Combine and Cook Through
Flip the chicken pieces to the uncooked side. Pour in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, approximately another 4 to 5 minutes, making sure not to overcook.
Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
- Sauce Magic: Mix the sauce ingredients while the chicken browns to maximize your efficiency and ensure the best blend of flavors.
- Browning Perfection: Allow the chicken to brown undisturbed initially for a richer taste and color.
- Watch the Clock: This dish is quick-cooking, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking those small, delightful chicken pieces.
How to Serve 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Top your finished dish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and fresh crunch, along with sesame seeds to add a touch of nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice. For a low-carb option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken in a wrap with crisp lettuce for a fun twist or arrange on a platter with lime wedges for a zesty touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s great for an easy lunch or dinner the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by placing the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to evenly distribute heat.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juciness and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?
Of course! You can leave them out if you prefer a milder dish, or adjust the amount to suit your taste.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free version or tamari to ensure the dish is suitable for gluten-free diets.
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What can I use if I don’t have fresh garlic?
If fresh garlic is unavailable, use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute to keep the flavor profile intact.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, the 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a savior on busy days, delivering comfort while keeping the cooking fuss at bay. I hope you give it a try soon!
Print
15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This 15-minute Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, flavorful stir-fry bursting with sweet and savory notes. Perfect for busy weeknights, the tender chicken cubes are coated in a luscious honey soy glaze and cooked to perfection in a skillet. Serve over rice with optional toppings like green onions, sesame seeds, and lime for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes (about 1/2 inch)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Glaze
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat)
For Serving (Optional)
- Brown or white rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt as soy sauce is already salty.
- Brown the chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, without moving, for about 3-4 minutes until it browns on one side. Then, flip the pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Make the glaze: While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine and cook: Turn the chicken pieces to cook on the other side, then pour the glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Toss or stir to coat evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the chicken over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Make sure not to overcook the small chicken cubes to keep them tender.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables for a more complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
