Honey Garlic Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more juiciness)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)

 

Instructions:

Prep the Chicken:

 

Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper on both sides.

 

Cook the Chicken:

 

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

 

Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F / 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

 

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

 

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

 

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn it!).

 

Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to bubble for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld together.

 

(Optional) If you want a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry and pour it into the pan, stirring until the sauce thickens.

 

Combine Chicken with Sauce:

 

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the honey garlic sauce, turning the chicken to ensure it’s well-covered.

 

Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to soak into the chicken.

 

Serve:

 

Remove the chicken from the pan and drizzle the sauce over the top.

 

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions, and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds.

 

Serving Suggestions:

Rice: Serve the chicken over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.

 

Veggies: Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.

 

Salad: Toss it into a salad for a hearty, flavorful meal.

 

Side dish: Serve with mashed potatoes or a simple stir-fry for a complete dinner.

 

Add-Ons & Variations:

Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.

 

Citrusy: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to brighten up the sauce.

 

Sweeteners: If you prefer, you can swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a different twist.

 

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