– **Title**: Easy Honey Garlic Soy Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and ground ginger until well combined. Set aside.
2. **Season the Chicken**: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. **Marinate Chicken**: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey garlic marinade over the chicken, making sure they are well coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
4. **Cook the Chicken**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat an oven-safe skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place the chicken skin-side down in the pan. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
5. **Transfer to Oven**: Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the reserved marinade over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
6. **Finish and Garnish**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
7. **Serve**: Serve the chicken with rice or steamed vegetables, drizzling some of the cooked sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delightful Easy Honey Garlic Soy Chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish because they cook evenly and absorb the marinade well. If you’re looking for a lean option, this works great. However, thighs can be a juicy alternative.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is essential for flavor, but if you’re avoiding gluten, try tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute. Both options offer a similar umami taste without the wheat.
Honey: For sweetness, honey does a fantastic job, but if you’re vegan or avoid sugar, consider maple syrup or agave nectar. They bring their own unique flavor while keeping the dish sweet.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best taste. You can use garlic powder in a pinch; just remember that 1/8 tsp of powder equals one clove of garlic.
Ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds a lovely kick, but if you don’t have fresh, you can use powdered ginger. Add it sparingly as it’s more concentrated than fresh!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll get it right every time. First, marinate your chicken! This not only enhances flavor but also keeps it juicy.
- Make sure to let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes; up to 4 hours is even better!
- When searing, keep the heat medium-high but avoid burning—2-3 minutes per side is ideal for a nice brown color.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
Easy Honey Garlic Soy Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-40 minutes in total (including marinating the chicken). If you have time, marinating the chicken for up to 4 hours will add amazing flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, sesame oil, and grated ginger if you’re using it. Once mixed well, set aside about 2 tablespoons of the sauce for later to drizzle on the chicken when it’s done cooking.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Place them in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s all coated nicely. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can, let it sit for up to 4 hours to really soak in that flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a large oven-safe skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Sear the chicken breasts in the hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nice and browned.
4. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet. If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water and stir it into the pan. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken and drizzle the reserved sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve your delicious honey garlic soy chicken over cooked rice and enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but it will require a longer cooking time. Bone-in chicken pieces may take about 25-35 minutes in the oven to reach the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Just ensure to check the thickest part for doneness!
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
No worries! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, brown sugar dissolved in a little hot water can also work in a pinch.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Dish in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, marinate the chicken as directed, then place it in the slow cooker along with the marinade. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. You can thicken the sauce at the end by mixing in cornstarch as described in the oven method.
