Ah, garlic chicken—just the thought makes my taste buds tingle with anticipation. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, like a warm hug on a Tuesday evening when the world outside feels too loud. It’s one of those dishes that seems to whisper secrets of comfort and ease, transforming any dinner into a cozy affair without breaking a sweat.
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 one side of the sheet, combine cubed chicken with garlic powder, black pepper, and chili flakes, then toss with flour and olive oil. Arrange the chicken on one side and add broccoli or asparagus on the other side, seasoning 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 tamari (or soy sauce) with lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, chili paste, green onions, and toasted sesame oil in a bowl or jar.
- Once the vegetables are done, remove them from the baking sheet. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to bake onto the chicken.
- Serve the dish by garnishing the chicken and vegetables with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is delightful 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 (preferably Korean chile flakes)
- 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
- What type of chicken should I use for the Honey Garlic Chicken recipe?
- You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or a combination of both, cut into cubes.
- Can I substitute tamari with another ingredient in the sauce?
- Yes, soy sauce is a suitable substitute for tamari in the honey garlic sauce.
- How can I make the chicken crispy in the oven?
- Toss the cubed chicken with a light coating of flour before baking to help achieve a crispy texture.
- Is it necessary to use toasted sesame oil in the sauce?
- Toasted sesame oil adds a nice flavor, but it is not essential. You can omit it if you don’t have it on hand.
- How can I serve the Honey Garlic Chicken?
- This dish can be served over rice as a main course or enjoyed on its own as an appetizer, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips
- Use Korean Chile Flakes: Opt for Korean chile flakes to add a unique depth of flavor to the chicken. These can typically be found in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores or online.
- Ensure a Light Flour Coating: When tossing the chicken with flour, use just a small amount to achieve a crispy texture. This minimal coating helps the sauce adhere better without making the chicken overly breaded.
- Incorporate Toasted Sesame Oil: If available, include toasted sesame oil in the sauce for an added layer of flavor. While it’s not essential, it enhances the dish with its distinctive taste.
- Serve Over Rice: For a complete meal, serve the honey garlic chicken over rice. This not only complements the dish but also makes it more filling and satisfying.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – Essential for baking the chicken and vegetables.
- Parchment Paper – Useful for lining the sheet pan to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mixing Bowls – For mixing the sauce and tossing the chicken.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring the chicken and sauce together.
- Glass Jar – Optional, but useful for mixing and storing the honey garlic sauce.
- Oven Thermometer – Helpful to ensure the oven is at the correct temperature, especially if your oven is not calibrated.
