Honey chicken is a simple and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breast coated in a sweet and savory sauce. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice creates a delicious glaze that coats every piece of chicken. Serve it over fragrant steamed rice and some broccoli to make it a complete dinner inspired by Chinese takeout.
To make honey chicken, the chicken is first marinated in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice before being cooked in a pan. The marinade is then added back to the pan and thickened with cornstarch until it becomes creamy and coats the chicken. Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this easy recipe makes a delicious main meal served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
What is Honey Chicken?
Honey chicken is a popular dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet honey-based sauce. The honey provides sweetness, while soy sauce adds a savory flavor and lemon juice imparts some acidity to balance the dish. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency that helps it coat the chicken.
Pro Tips
- Cut the chicken breast into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the step of marinating the chicken. Allowing the chicken to marinate in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice before cooking will help it soak up the flavors in the sauce.
- While cooking the chicken, cook it over medium heat so the honey in the marinade doesn’t burn.
- Mix the cornstarch with a little water or some of the sauce mixture before adding it to the pan to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
- Add sesame seeds just before serving for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast. They have a richer flavor and are more forgiving when you cook them as they don’t dry out as easily as chicken breast, even if they are overcooked.
Can I Add Vegetables to Honey Chicken?
Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas all pair well with the sweet and savory sauce. You can cook the vegetables separately or add them to the pan with the chicken to cook until they reach a tender-crisp texture.
Can Honey Chicken Be Baked Rather Than Cooked in a Pan?
Yes, you can bake the chicken, although cooking it in a pan allows the sauce to reduce and coat the chicken more easily. If baking, add the sauce toward the end of cooking to prevent the honey from burning.
How to Store the Honey Chicken
Leftover honey chicken can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. Simply reheat it gently in a pan or microwave until heated through before you want to serve it.
Ingredients
How to Make Honey Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place it in a bowl. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, and add the lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce, stirring until the chicken is coated.
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place it in a bowl. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, and add the lemon juice, honey, and soy sauce, stirring until the chicken is coated.
Heat a little butter and olive oil in a pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining marinade to the pan and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce.
Heat a little butter and olive oil in a pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining marinade to the pan and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce.
Mix the cornstarch with a little of the sauce, then add it to the pan. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, and the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Mix the cornstarch with a little of the sauce, then add it to the pan. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, and the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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