“Sticky Honey-Garlic Glazed Chicken”

Sticky Honey-Garlic Glazed Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or any occasion where you want something flavorful and comforting. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey-Garlic Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze

1. Cook the Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the garlic becomes fragrant.
2. Add the Sauce Ingredients:
   • To the skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Glaze the Chicken

1. Coat the Chicken:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the glaze. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, turning it to coat the chicken in the glaze. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and coat the chicken nicely.
2. Check for Doneness:
   • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and coated with the sticky glaze. If you like a thicker glaze, cook it for an additional minute.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Transfer the chicken to serving plates and drizzle with the remaining glaze from the pan. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, and sesame seeds, if desired.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the Sticky Honey-Garlic Glazed Chicken with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Chicken Thighs: For extra tenderness and juiciness, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of boneless breasts.
• Glaze Adjustments: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your preference. If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes.
• Make it Spicy: Add chili garlic sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick in the glaze.
• Meal Prep: You can prepare the honey-garlic glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just heat it up before adding it to the chicken.

Enjoy this Sticky Honey-Garlic Glazed Chicken, where every bite is packed with sweet, savory, and tangy flavors!