Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe Sticky Glaze With Scallion Sparks

Name: honey garlic chicken recipe Sticky Glaze With Scallion Sparks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 0.5 cup local or raw honey; 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp cold water; 2 tbsp olive oil; Fresh scallions, sliced; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

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I’ve discovered the ultimate solution for those hectic weeknights when you need a meal everyone will love. This honey garlic chicken recipe Sticky Glaze With Scallion Sparks fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma and promises a dish that’s both healthy and utterly delicious. It’s a quick, family-friendly dinner idea that helps you nail nutrition and makes mealtime a breeze, especially when juggling school nights and sports practices.

honey garlic chicken recipe Sticky Glaze With Scallion Sparks

Ingredients That Make It Work

Gather these ingredients for a mouth-watering honey garlic chicken recipe. Each plays a key role in the final sticky glaze and overall flavor:

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. (Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great for a leaner, high-protein meal.)
Honey: 1/2 cup (120ml) local or raw honey. (Adds the signature sweetness and helps create that irresistible sticky glaze.)
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce. (Balances the sweetness with savory depth; use tamari for gluten-free honey garlic chicken.)
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. (Fresh garlic is essential for the best amazing aroma and flavor.)
Rice Vinegar: 1 tbsp (15ml) rice vinegar. (Provides a bright, tangy lift to the sauce.)
Cornstarch: 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp (15ml) cold water to make a slurry. (I find whisking the cornstarch slurry directly into cold water prevents lumps, ensuring a smooth, sticky glaze.)
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil. (For searing the chicken to a golden crisp.)
Scallions: Fresh scallions, sliced. (For garnish and those essential ‘scallion sparks’ that finish the dish.)
Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to taste. (Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.)

Healthy Upgrades

Opt for organic chicken or pasture-raised for superior quality.
Use tamari for a gluten-free honey garlic chicken.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra nutrition and a delightful crunch.

Suggested Swaps for Allergies or Dietary Preferences

Chicken breast for a leaner, high-protein option.
Maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative to soy sauce.
Ground ginger for an extra warm flavor kick.

Seasonal or Local Picks

Seek out fresh garlic and scallions from your local farmer’s market.
Look for local honey for a unique, nuanced taste.

Cooking Steps Made Easy

Prep Chicken (5 min): Pat chicken dry with paper towels until no moisture remains. Season generously with salt and black pepper; you’ll notice it adheres better to dry chicken.
Sear Chicken (8-10 min): Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until golden brown and almost cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate; it should feel slightly firm.
Make Sticky Glaze (3-5 min): In the same skillet, whisk together 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to bubble around the edges.
Thicken Sauce (1-2 min): Whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the sauce thickens significantly and beautifully coats the back of a spoon, becoming a luscious sticky glaze. If your sauce looks lumpy, ensure the slurry was fully mixed before adding and whisk vigorously to smooth it out.
Combine & Finish (2-3 min): Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Toss the chicken to coat evenly in the honey garlic sticky glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently, until the chicken is fully cooked through and wonderfully glazed.
Garnish (1 min): Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh sliced scallion sparks just before serving, for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Quick-Prep Hacks or Shortcuts

Buy pre-cut chicken to save prep time, or chop it while the pan heats.
Use jarred minced garlic when you’re truly pressed for time.
Measure all ingredients before starting (mise en place) for smoother cooking.

Inline Variations

For spicier honey garlic chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce as it simmers.
For a milder flavor: Reduce the minced garlic slightly.
For a richer sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of full-fat coconut milk at the end (a non-traditional but delicious twist).

Troubleshooting Tips

Dry chicken: To keep your chicken juicy, ensure you don’t overcook it. Remove once just done.
Over-thick sauce: Add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin the sticky glaze to your desired consistency.
Lack of flavor: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or a dash of sesame oil at the end can brighten and deepen everything up.

When and How to Enjoy It

Best occasions:

This dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, offering a family-friendly solution. It also excels as a nutritious option for meal prep, supporting healthy eating goals.

Serving suggestions:

Serve this flavorful chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Round out the meal with roasted broccoli or a simple green salad.
Garnish with extra scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts for added texture.

Storage/reheating advice:

Store any leftover sticky chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it freezes well for 2-3 months.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of Honey Garlic Chicken

This easy honey garlic chicken recipe is a high-protein option, supporting sustained energy and muscle health. It’s fantastic for meal prep for weight loss, offering a balanced and satisfying healthy dinner recipe.

This family-friendly dish is easily adapted for low-carb or high-protein eating plans. It can also be a diabetic-friendly food when paired with sugar substitutes and low-carb sides.

Time, Money, and Convenience

Quick breakdown of prep/cook time:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Approximate cost per serving and tips to save:

This delicious chicken typically costs around $3-$4 per serving. To save money, buy chicken in bulk when on sale and opt for store-brand soy sauce and honey.

Batch cooking or make-ahead benefits:

Double the recipe for easy, healthy dinner ideas throughout the week or for efficient meal prep. It’s perfect for planning ahead.

Smart Shopping Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken

Where to buy quality ingredients:

Source quality chicken from local butcher shops or trusted supermarket brands. For superior flavor in your honey garlic chicken, look for fresh scallions and garlic at farmer’s markets.

Notes on fresh vs frozen vs canned options:

Fresh chicken and scallions are highly recommended for the best results in this sticky glazed chicken. Frozen chicken can be used, but ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Avoid canned garlic for optimal taste.

Expert Tips & Adjustments

Chef-style upgrades for flavor or texture:

Toast sesame seeds before sprinkling for enhanced nutty flavor.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth before adding sauce ingredients for extra depth.
Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for an aromatic touch.

Seasoning tweaks for different palates:

Add a pinch of five-spice powder for an Asian-inspired twist. Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to your preferred sweetness or saltiness in the amazing glaze.

Allergy and kid-friendly adjustments:

For nut allergies, simply omit sesame seeds. For picky eaters, cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serve this appealing chicken with their favorite bland side.

FAQs

“Can honey garlic chicken be made ahead for meal prep?”

Yes! Cooked honey garlic chicken stores exceptionally well in the fridge for 3-4 days when sealed. This makes it a fantastic choice for meal prep recipes, whether for weight loss or quick, healthy lunches.

“What’s the healthiest substitute for honey in this recipe?”

For a lower-sugar option, I’ve found allulose-based syrups work well as a substitute, maintaining some stickiness without the sugar content. Maple syrup can also be used, though it will subtly shift the flavor profile of the sticky glaze.

“Where can I find honey garlic chicken ingredients online?”

Many online grocery delivery services or specialty stores offer high-quality ingredients like organic chicken, low-sodium soy sauce, and local honey. Health food stores often carry specific items such as tamari or coconut aminos for dietary needs.

“Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this honey garlic chicken recipe?”

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a perfectly suitable lean option for this delicious chicken. Just be mindful not to overcook them to keep your chicken juicy and tender.

“How do I make the sticky glaze thicker?”

Ensure your cornstarch slurry is thoroughly mixed before adding it to the sauce. Continue to cook and stir the sauce for an extra minute or two over medium heat; it will thicken beautifully into that signature sticky glaze.

“Is this honey garlic chicken recipe spicy?”

No, the basic honey garlic chicken recipe is not spicy. However, if you enjoy a kick, you can easily add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers for a delicious spicy variation.

Conclusion

This dish consistently delivers on flavor, convenience, and health. Pin this easy dinner idea to Pinterest now, and make this incredible recipe a new family favorite!