Savor the Sweet and Savory Goodness of Honey Garlic Chicken
Indulge in a culinary adventure with our mouthwatering honey garlic chicken recipe. This delightful dish combines tender pieces of fried chicken with a flavorful honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors. Join us as we explore the art of creating this delectable dish from scratch, perfecting every element for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
Fried Chicken:
- 10 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
- 1 whole egg
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
- 5 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon green onions (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Fried Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, and black pepper. Dip the chicken cubes into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Coat Chicken: In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Dredge the chicken cubes in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken cubes until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the honey garlic chicken for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Chicken Variation: Feel free to use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance the dish with colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added texture and nutrition.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to make the fried chicken coating low in carbs.
- Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener such as monk fruit sweetener or erythritol to reduce the carb content of the sauce.
- Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a lower carb alternative.
Low Carb Version:
- Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or xylitol in the honey garlic sauce.
- Opt for boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles to keep the dish low in carbs.
In conclusion, honey garlic chicken is a deliciously satisfying dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. With tender pieces of fried chicken coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, every bite is a burst of culinary delight. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or as the star of a special dinner gathering, this recipe is sure to please even the most discerning palate. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more of this irresistible honey garlic goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe? A: Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of chicken thighs. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
Q: Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time? A: Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before tossing it with the fried chicken.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan? A: Yes, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken to make a vegetarian version of this dish. For a vegan version, use plant-based alternatives for the egg and honey in the recipe, and substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken.
