Honey Garlic Chicken with Sticky Sauce

What is Honey Garlic Chicken

This succulent chicken dish features a perfect blend of sweet, sticky honey and fragrant garlic, bound together by a savory soy sauce.

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade

• 500g chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced (approximately 8.5g)
• 1 tsp baking soda

For the batter

• A dash of pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (approximately 32g)

For frying

• Cooking oil

For the sauce

• 3½ tbsp unsalted butter (approximately 50g)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (approximately 17g)
• 1½ tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey (approximately 113g)

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken

1. Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, just right for a quick sauté and easy to pick up with a fork.
2. Marinate the chicken pieces in the soy sauce, garlic, and baking soda. The baking soda helps the chicken keep its soft consistency during frying.
3. After marinating, dredge the chicken pices in a mix of cornstarch and pepper. Ensuring a fine coat that will give our chicken its signature crisp exterior.
4. Shallow fry the chicken pieces in hot oil (at least 180C or 350F) until golden. Drain on a paper towel and set aside.
5. After frying all the chicken, pour out the remaining oil, then add the butter. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic, letting it infuse its aroma into the butter.
6. Add the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir until the mixture thickens.
7. Add back the chicken into the pan with the sauce. Mix well, ensuring each piece is coated with this sticky sauce.
8. Serve with rice or any side dish of your choice.

Nutrition Information

Assuming four servings from this recipe, each serving (around 200g) of Honey Garlic Chicken with Sticky Sauce will contain:

• Calories: 350 Kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Sugars: 20g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brand of ingredients used.

Kitchen Hacks for an Unforgettable Dish

• To ensure your chicken is tender and juicy, marinate it for at least 30 minutes.
• For a thicker sauce, you can add an extra spoonful of cornstarch mixed with a bit of water.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha before serving.
• Cut the chicken pieces into similar-sized pieces so that they cook in roughly the same time.
• The oil should be at around 180C or 350F before frying. Any lower and the batter will not be crispy and too hot will burn them.
• When frying the chicken pieces, do not over crowd the pan to ensure the oil does not drop in temperature. Leave the chicken pieces to shallow fry for about 3 minutes on medium heat until you get some nice browning on one side.
• You can check if the chicken is cooked by slicing in half a piece. The meat should be soft and tender and white without any noticeable red areas in the centre.
• Use as much garlic as you please!
• For a crispier batter, do not use plain flour. Instead use potato or cassava starch or other plant-based starches together with the cornflour.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you're unable to find some of the ingredients, here are a few substitutes that will work just fine:

• Soy Sauce: Tamari for a gluten free choice or Worcestershire sauce can be used as alternatives.
• Honey: Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used to replicate the sweet notes.
• Cornstarch: You can use flour or arrowroot as a thickening agent instead.

What Can I Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

• Serve with plain white rice or fried rice with egg or garlic.
• Serve with steamed vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
• Serve with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms and bell peppers and oyster sauce.
• You can also cook noodles and serve with the sauce instead of rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can bring in more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may take a bit longer to cook than breast pieces.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Make sure to press the tofu well to remove excess water before marinating.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your vinegar is gluten-free as well.

Can I store and reheat this dish?

Yes, you can refrigerate this dish for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a stovetop, just make sure to stir frequently to keep the sauce from burning.

What other dishes can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs well with Asian-style salads, stir-fried greens, or a simple egg fried rice. For a full-fledged feast, consider adding some dumplings or spring rolls.