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Sweet Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet Savory Honey Garlic Chicken


  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Sweet Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a flavorful dish that perfectly balances natural sweetness with aromatic garlic and savory elements. Featuring tender chicken thighs glazed in a glossy sauce made from simple pantry staples, this recipe is quick to prepare and flexible to customize, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Sauce

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup natural honey
  • 1/4 cup natural soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for mixing with gelling agent)

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp, golden sear. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of cooking oil. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until beautifully browned. Flip and cook the other side for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan but keep the pan hot for the sauce preparation.
  3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in the natural honey, natural soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Mix the natural gelling agent with cold water until fully dissolved, then stir this mixture into the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and achieves a glossy texture.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, spoon the sauce generously over them, and let simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the chicken is cooked through.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juiciness and better flavor retention.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning and avoid steaming the chicken.
  • Lightly toast sesame seeds before sprinkling to maximize their flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your preferred sweetness level.
  • Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-searing
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, savory chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal