Wild Eats & Treats!

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound total)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken:
2. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings adhere better and ensures that they cook evenly.

3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on each side.

4. Create the Marinade:

5. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.

6. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade in a separate bowl to use later as a glaze.

7. Marinate the Chicken:

8. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.

9. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated, then cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag, and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor. If pressed for time, even a quick 10-minute marination will impart some flavor.

10. Cook the Chicken:

11. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
12. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade to avoid cross-contamination) and place it in the hot skillet.

13. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

14. Prepare the Glaze:

15. In a small saucepan, combine the reserved honey garlic marinade with the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken it.
16. Stir well, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

17. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens, stirring occasionally.

18. Glaze the Chicken:

19. Once the chicken is cooked through and has a nice sear, pour the thickened glaze over the chicken breasts in the skillet.

20. Allow the chicken to simmer in the glaze for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors, flipping once halfway through.

21. Serve:

22. Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving plate.
23. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and sesame seeds, if desired, to add a touch of freshness and crunch.
24. Serve this delicious Honey Garlic Chicken with your choice of sides such as steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Summary

Preparation Time:
– Marination: 10 minutes active, 30 minutes inactive (or up to 24 hours as preferred)
– Cooking Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including minimum marination time)

Calorie Count: Approximately 320 calories per serving (calculated based on a 4-person serving from 1 pound of chicken).

This Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that’s both quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its rich glaze and juicy texture. Enjoy this delightful, healthy dish that balances indulgence with nutritional mindfulness!