Picture this: the sizzle of chicken in a pan, the sweet aroma of honey mingling with the sharp, almost fiery, scent of garlic. Ah, the irresistible allure of a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening! It reminds me of last winter, when I cooked this for the first time after finding honey on sale—because who can resist a bargain or a cozy kitchen delight?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a coating of oil. On the sheet pan, mix cubed chicken with garlic powder, pepper, and chile flakes, then add flour and toss everything together. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated, and place it on one side of the baking sheet.
- On the other side of the baking sheet, add broccoli or asparagus. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them in the oven to bake for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey garlic sauce by combining tamari or soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, fresh garlic, chili paste, green onions, and a bit of toasted sesame oil in a bowl or jar.
- Once the initial baking is done, take out the vegetables from the sheet pan. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated, and bake for an additional 5 minutes to let the sauce adhere to the chicken.
- Serve the cooked chicken and vegetables garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is delicious over rice but also works wonderfully as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- Minute Honey Garlic Chicken recipe:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Chile flakes (Korean preferred)
- Flour or gluten-free flour
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Broccoli florets or chopped asparagus
- Salt
- Tamari or soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Fresh garlic
- Chili paste (such as gochujang)
- Chopped green onion
- Toasted sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats like turkey or pork. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary depending on the type of meat used.
- Is there an alternative to using tamari or soy sauce in the honey garlic sauce?
- If you’re looking for a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos can be a great substitute. It has a similar salty flavor but is slightly sweeter.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour to ensure the dish is gluten-free.
- What can I serve with this honey garlic chicken?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa or noodles. For a lower-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice.
- How spicy is the honey garlic sauce?
- The spiciness of the sauce can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of chili paste. Conversely, add more if you enjoy a little extra heat.
Tips
- Ensure Even Cooking: When cutting the chicken into cubes, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. This will help the chicken cook evenly and ensure that each piece is done at the same time.
- Maximize Flavor in the Sauce: If you don’t have toasted sesame oil, it’s okay to omit it, but it does add a unique, nutty flavor. Consider adding it if you can, or substitute with a small amount of regular sesame oil for a similar taste.
- Achieve Crispy Chicken: When tossing the chicken with flour, ensure it gets a light, even coating. This helps the chicken become crispy in the oven, providing a nice texture contrast to the sticky sauce.
- Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your heat preference. If you like it spicier, add a bit more chili paste, or use a spicier variety to kick up the heat.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – A large, rimmed baking sheet for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking sheet, if not using oil.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining the sauce ingredients.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring the chicken and sauce.
- Glass Jar – Optional, for mixing and storing the sauce if not using a bowl.
