15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken (for Carol)
Carol, this one’s for you! You asked for a quick and tasty meal to impress your mother-in-law without the stress. We’ve got you covered with this 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory that’ll make your family dinners a breeze.
This recipe is super easy to whip up, even on busy weeknights. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time, leaving you free to enjoy quality time with your mother-in-law. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) make great lunches the next day. Happy cooking, Carol!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and tasty honey garlic chicken:
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For serving, you might want to add:
- Brown rice
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges
Remember to cut your chicken into small cubes, about ½ inch in size. This helps it cook faster and more evenly.
You can adjust the red pepper flakes based on how spicy you like your food. Leave them out if you prefer a milder taste.
Instructions
Heat oil in a big pan over medium-high heat. Cut chicken into small cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Add chicken to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until one side is brown. While it cooks, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat all the pieces. Keep cooking for 4-5 more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Your honey garlic chicken is ready! Serve it over rice if you like. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
This quick meal is perfect for busy nights. You can have a tasty dinner on the table in just 15 minutes. The sweet and tangy sauce will make your taste buds happy.
Remember, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes. Enjoy your homemade honey garlic chicken!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
Can’t find chicken breasts? No problem! Try using chicken thighs or tenders instead. They’ll work just as well in this quick dish.
Don’t have honey? Maple syrup or brown sugar can be good alternatives. They’ll give a similar sweet flavor to balance the salty soy sauce.
If you’re out of soy sauce, try tamari or coconut aminos. These options will still add that savory umami taste to your chicken.
For a different flavor profile, swap the red pepper flakes for:
- Sriracha sauce
- Gochujang paste
- Sweet chili sauce
Want to make it even quicker? Use pre-minced garlic from a jar. It saves time and still tastes great!
To boost the veggie content, toss in some:
- Broccoli florets
- Sliced bell peppers
- Snow peas
These veggies cook fast and soak up the yummy sauce.
For a low-carb version, serve your honey garlic chicken over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make this dish even faster? Cut the chicken into smaller pieces. They’ll cook quicker and soak up more flavor.
Don’t have soy sauce? Try tamari or coconut aminos instead. They give a similar taste without gluten.
For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce. It gives a nice tang that balances the sweetness.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
Freeze portions for busy nights. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Make extra sauce and keep it in the fridge. It’s great on other meats or veggies too!
Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’re juicier and harder to overcook.
Serve with different sides each time. Try noodles, quinoa, or a veggie stir-fry for variety.
