Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner served over steamed rice and garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat)
To Serve
- Brown or white rice, cooked
- Sliced green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Lime wedges, for squeezing (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, remembering to go easy on salt since the soy sauce adds sodium.
- Brown the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side until browned.
- Prepare the glaze: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
- Cook the chicken through with sauce: Flip the chicken pieces to cook on the other side, then pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes more, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender.
- Serve the dish: Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed brown or white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime juice if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes so that cooking is quick and even.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance the saltiness to keep the flavor harmonious.
- Serving with rice helps soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Adding fresh garnishes like green onions and lime juice brightens the dish.
