Prepare to delight your taste buds with the quick and easy **15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken**! This dish combines juicy chicken pieces with a luscious honey garlic glaze for a savory meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly coats the chicken.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already at home, saving you a trip to the store.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preference for heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such simple ingredients can create such a delightful dish. Each component adds a unique touch that elevates the **15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken** into a flavorful masterpiece.
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking, they are the protein foundation of this dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes with the garlic for the perfect glaze.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adjust to add just the right amount of heat if you desire.
- For serving (optional): Brown or white rice, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, lime wedges for garnish and extra flavor.
Variations
One of the best parts of this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by tweaking the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some broccoli or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add color to your plate.
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Amp up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or add a splash of Sriracha to the sauce for an added kick.
How to Make 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Add it to the hot skillet and let it brown on one side, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for sealing in the juices and achieving that delightful golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare and Add the Glaze
While the chicken is browning, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Once the chicken is browned, turn the pieces over and pour the glaze into the skillet. Toss to coat all the pieces evenly and let the magic happen as the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
- Perfect Chicken Cubes: Ensure your chicken cubes are uniform in size for even cooking and browning.
- Sauce Standout: Allow the sauce to simmer until it slightly thickens, enhancing flavor without burning.
- Timing is Everything: Avoid overcooking small chicken pieces to maintain their juicy texture.
- Fresh Garnishes: Add a squeeze of fresh lime for a perfect contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.
How to Serve 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Garnishes
Top your honey garlic chicken with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for a vibrant and appetizing finish. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside steaming bowls of jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up every drop of that delectable sauce. It’s also great with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your chicken in a lettuce wrap for a fresh, low-carb option. The crisp lettuce adds a refreshing crunch that pairs marvelously with the sticky, savory chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures that the flavors stay locked in and the chicken remains tender when reheated.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze the **15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken**, ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, it can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. This method helps maintain the dish’s integrity and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for additional flavor and juiciness. Just ensure they’re boneless and cooked thoroughly.
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What’s the best way to cut the chicken?
Try cutting the chicken into even half-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the skillet.
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How can I adjust the spice level?
The red pepper flakes are the source of spice in this recipe. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your heat preference.
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Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos can be used as a substitute, offering a similar salty taste.
Final Thoughts
This **15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken** recipe is a testament to how quick and delightful home-cooked meals can be. Give it a try, and let its simple yet intricate flavors charm their way onto your dinner table tonight!
Print
15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
This quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. It features tender cubed chicken cooked to perfection in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze, finished with a hint of garlic and red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s served best over rice and topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Oil
- 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)
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce and 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 to squeeze over chicken
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper. Be cautious with the salt because the soy sauce adds sodium.
- Cook Chicken First Side: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until browned on one side, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Glaze: While chicken cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Flip Chicken and Add Sauce: Turn the chicken pieces over to cook the other side, then pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook Through: Continue cooking for 4-5 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Be careful not to overcook since the chicken is cut small for quick cooking.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice, and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure to watch the chicken closely to prevent overcooking due to quick cooking time.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
