Ever had one of those days where the thought of cooking feels like scaling Everest? Well, these garlic chicken recipes are here to save the day—like a superhero in a skillet. They’re not just quick and tasty; they’re like the comforting hug you didn’t know you needed after a long day, with garlicky goodness that wraps around you like your favorite cozy blanket, especially when paired with your favorite sides.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly coating it with oil. On the sheet pan, combine the chicken cubes with garlic powder, black pepper, and chile flakes, then toss with flour and olive oil to coat. Arrange the chicken on one side of the sheet, and place broccoli or asparagus on the other side, seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce by mixing together tamari or soy sauce, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl or jar. Add fresh garlic, chili paste, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame oil to the mixture, stirring well to combine.
- Once the chicken is baked, remove the vegetables from the sheet pan. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the baked chicken and thoroughly toss to coat. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce is baked onto the chicken.
- Serve the dish with the cooked vegetables and garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This chicken is delicious when served over rice, but it can also be enjoyed as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Chile flakes (Korean chile flakes recommended)
- Flour or gluten-free flour
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Broccoli florets or chopped asparagus
- Sesame seeds
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Fresh garlic
- Chili paste (such as gochujang)
- Chopped green onion
- Toasted sesame oil
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts, or even a combination of the two. Both types of chicken work well with this dish.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.
- What can I use if I don’t have tamari or soy sauce?
- If you don’t have tamari or soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos as a substitute. It provides a similar salty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sauce.
- Can I make this dish without sesame oil?
- Yes, you can omit toasted sesame oil from the sauce if you don’t have it on hand. While it adds a distinct flavor, the dish will still be delicious without it.
- What other vegetables can I use instead of broccoli or asparagus?
- You can use other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or green beans if you prefer. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size to ensure even cooking.
Tips
- Ensure Even Cooking: When preparing the chicken and vegetables on the baking sheet, make sure to arrange them in a single layer. This helps in achieving uniform cooking and ensures that everything gets crispy.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste or chile flakes according to your taste preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount, or if you like it spicier, feel free to add more.
- Maximize Sauce Flavor: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to soak up the honey garlic sauce by tossing it thoroughly. This ensures that every piece is well-coated and absorbs the delicious flavors.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and lemon juice for the sauce to enhance the overall taste. Fresh ingredients tend to provide a more vibrant and robust flavor compared to their dried or bottled counterparts.
Equipment
- Baking sheet (sheet pan)
- Parchment paper
- Glass jar (for mixing the sauce, optional if not using a bowl)
- Wooden spoon
