The Best Homemade Honey Garlic Chicken
Honey garlic chicken is a popular Chinese-style dish. It is usually made with chicken pieces that are marinated in a mixture of honey and garlic, and then deep-fried. The dish is usually served with rice or noodles. It is a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In this recipe, the chicken pieces are pan-fried so that they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The honey garlic sauce is also made from scratch, giving it a unique and flavorful taste.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
For the chicken:
- 2 lbs. of chicken pieces
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil and ground ginger. Add the chicken pieces and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Add the marinade to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick and glossy. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
This recipe can also be cooked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from the oven and brush the chicken pieces with the marinade. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Variations
This dish can be customized to your own tastes. Try adding a few tablespoons of hoisin sauce to the marinade for a sweeter flavor. You can also add a few tablespoons of chili sauce for a spicy kick. Other vegetables, such as bell peppers, can also be added to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
Tips
This dish is best served immediately, as the chicken will lose its crispiness as it sits. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Conclusion
Honey garlic chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The marinade and sauce give it a unique flavor that can't be replicated with store-bought sauces. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Enjoy!
