Description
Succulent honey garlic chicken delights palates with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy, caramelized edges and juicy meat promise a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce and Coating Ingredients:
- ¼ cup cornstarch (for a light crispy coating)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (to thicken)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 375F (190C) and creating a non-stick surface using parchment paper or a light grease coating in a suitable baking dish.
- Thoroughly eliminate moisture from the chicken pieces using clean paper towels, ensuring a crisp exterior during cooking.
- Season the chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, ground black pepper, smoky paprika, and aromatic garlic powder, massaging the spices gently into the meat’s surface.
- Create a delicate protective layer by dusting the chicken with a fine cornstarch coating, carefully shaking off any excess powder to prevent clumping.
- Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat, allowing the surface to become shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place chicken pieces into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust through strategic searing, which typically requires approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the partially cooked chicken from the skillet directly into the prepared baking dish, positioning pieces with space between them to ensure even heat circulation.
- Drizzle the honey garlic sauce comprehensively over the chicken, making certain each piece receives an even glaze that will caramelize during baking.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and displays a rich, glossy exterior, typically taking 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow a brief resting period of 3-5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and complete the cooking process.
Notes
- For crispy exterior, ensure chicken is completely dry before coating with cornstarch to help create a golden, crunchy layer.
- Adjust honey garlic sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch if you prefer a thicker glaze or water if you want it thinner.
- Use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness to guarantee even cooking and prevent drying out the meat.
- Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for alternative sweeteners, making the recipe friendly for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg