Ah, honey and garlic—a love story as old as time, or at least as old as my grandma’s kitchen. There’s something magical about how these two ingredients, so different yet perfectly harmonious, come together to create a chicken dish that dances between sweet and savory. This recipe, a touch sticky, maybe a bit too sweet for some, but absolutely perfect for those cozy nights when you’re craving something comforting yet just a tad adventurous.
Steps
- Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four total pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place flour in a shallow dish and coat each chicken piece, shaking off any excess flour.
- Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat, reserving about a teaspoon for later use.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional minute.
- Reduce the heat slightly to medium-high, and create space in the pan to add minced garlic and the remaining butter. Stir briefly once the butter melts.
- Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, then stir or shake the pan to combine the ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for a minute until it thickens slightly.
- Coat the chicken in the sauce by turning it in the pan. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water and stir to thin it out.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the chicken on plates, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) unsalted butter or 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white or another clear vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, light or all-purpose
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1292cal | Carbohydrates: 92g | Protein: 112g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 428mg | Sodium: 1600mg | Potassium: 1944mg | Sugar: 84g | Vitamin A: 1400IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different protein instead of chicken breast?
- Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be paired with various proteins such as beef, pork, lamb, prawns, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is cooked through as the sauce reduces.
- What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Breast?
- The sauce is flavorful enough to enhance a variety of sides. You can serve it with vegetables or rice, and it pairs well with dishes like fried rice, macaroni salad, or even macaroni and cheese.
- How do I ensure the sauce sticks to the chicken?
- Dusting the chicken with flour before cooking helps create a slight crust, allowing the sauce to adhere better to the chicken during cooking.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the flour with cornstarch or cornflour to make the dish gluten-free. While it might not brown as evenly, the sauce will cover it up, making it hardly noticeable.
- Can I prepare this dish on a barbecue?
- If you prefer grilling, you can use a similar recipe tailored for the barbecue, such as a Grilled Honey Soy Chicken recipe, which provides a similar flavor profile.
Tips
- Create a Flour Coating: Lightly dust the chicken with flour before cooking. This step helps form a slight crust on the chicken, allowing the sauce to adhere better, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor and texture.
- Adjust Cooking for Different Proteins: This sauce can be paired with various proteins such as beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Ensure you adjust the cooking time accordingly and add the sauce ingredients before the protein is fully cooked to let it finish cooking in the sauce.
- Control Sauce Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency without compromising flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: The strong flavors of the Honey Garlic Sauce make it versatile enough to pair with various side dishes such as fried rice, cauliflower rice, or even macaroni and cheese. Let your creativity guide you in exploring different combinations.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan – Essential for searing the chicken and making the sauce. A non-stick or stainless-steel skillet would be ideal.
- Garlic Press or Mince – Useful for mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
- Meat Thermometer – Helpful to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Shallow Dish or Plate – For coating the chicken in flour. If someone doesn’t have an appropriate dish, they might consider purchasing one.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients like honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
