Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe features tender chicken tenders simmered in a sweet, spicy, and sticky honey garlic sauce, perfectly balanced with garlic chili crisp and fresh parsley. It is an easy and flavorful dish that's better than take-out, ideal served over rice with steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 large cloves minced garlic
Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic chili crisp (optional)
- 1/3 cup honey
Garnish and Serving
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- Rice (for serving)
- Steamed broccoli (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken stock, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic chili crisp if using. Heat for 30 seconds in the microwave if needed to combine the honey thoroughly. Set aside.
- Season and Coat Chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Dredge evenly in cornstarch until coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Combine Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine with the butter and garlic.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Add chicken back into the skillet, submerging in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and reduce until mostly evaporated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle red pepper flakes and freshly chopped parsley over the chicken. Serve hot over cooked rice with a side of steamed broccoli.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
- Garlic chili crisp adds authentic flavor but can be excluded or replaced with a mild chili oil if preferred.
- Use chicken stock for richer flavor; water can be substituted in a pinch.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to achieve a crisp, golden exterior.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
