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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 4 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger - Red chili flakes - Green onions - Sesame seeds - Salt and pepper The key to a great Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken lies in the right mix of ingredients. You’ll want to start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They cook well and stay juicy. For the sauce, honey and soy sauce create a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Next, garlic and fresh ginger add a punch of flavor. Don’t skip the red chili flakes; they bring the heat. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you want it. Lastly, garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds make the dish pop visually. A little salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. You’ll find everything you need to create this delicious meal. - In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. - Add a pinch of salt and pepper. - Place chicken thighs in the bowl, coating them well. - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. - Take the chicken out of the marinade but keep the marinade for later. - Place the chicken in the hot skillet. - Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. - Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. - Lower the heat to medium after the chicken is cooked. - Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. - Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. - Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you can, try to let it sit for up to 2 hours. This extra time allows the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors. To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove it from the heat right when it hits that mark. You can adjust the spice level with red chili flakes. Start with one teaspoon if you prefer mild heat. Add more if you want a stronger kick. Another great trick is to add citrus zest, like lime or lemon. This extra touch brightens the dish and adds a fresh flavor. Serve your Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken with sides like steamed rice or sautéed vegetables. This combo looks great on the plate. For garnishing, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top. This not only adds color but also gives a nice crunch. For a fun twist, you can also add fresh herbs like cilantro. {{image_4}} You can change the protein if you want. Chicken breasts work well. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Both give a different feel but still taste amazing. For sweeteners, you can use maple syrup or agave. These add unique flavors. Each sweetener brings its own twist to the dish. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite! Want to kick up the flavor? Add more spices like paprika or cumin. They bring warmth and depth to your chicken. You can also infuse the dish with fresh herbs. Thyme or basil adds a lovely aroma and taste. Try mixing in different spices or herbs. This way, each meal can be a little different. You can create a new flavor every time you make it! Grilling the chicken gives it a nice smoky taste. It’s a fun way to cook outdoors. Pan-searing works great too. It creates a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy. Baking is a healthy option if you want less fat. It’s easy and can be done in one dish. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F. Each method can change the dish, so try them all! After cooking, you can store leftover Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken in the fridge. Seal it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can store it for up to three days. To cool the chicken quickly, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, put it in the fridge. Avoid leaving it out for longer to prevent bacteria growth. If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Just be sure to cook it fully after thawing. Enjoy your spicy meal anytime! For the full recipe, check the recipe section above. To make this dish milder, reduce the chili flakes. You can also add more honey. Sweet elements help balance the heat. Consider using sweet peppers for extra flavor without the spice. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, they may dry out faster. Thighs have more fat, which adds moisture. If using breasts, check them sooner. Cook them for about 20 minutes. I love pairing this dish with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. Sautéed vegetables also work well. For drinks, serve chilled white wine or iced tea. They complement the sweet and spicy flavors nicely. Yes, you can double this recipe easily. Just make sure to use a larger skillet. You may need to cook in batches. Taste the marinade and adjust flavors if needed. This blog post shared a complete guide for making Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and storage tips. Remember, marinating boosts flavor, and garnishes add a nice touch. There are many ways to adjust this recipe for your taste. Try different proteins or cooking methods to keep it exciting. I hope you find success with your dish. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this delicious Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! Featuring juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce, it's easy to whip up in no time. This dish is perfect for busy families and offers a flavorful balance that everyone will love. Ready to try it out? Click through to explore the full recipe, tips for perfecting it, and ideas for sides that will wow your dinner guests!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons soy sauce

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust based on your spice preference)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs into the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more robust flavor.

    Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade—do not discard the remaining marinade—and place the thighs in the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

      Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium. Carefully pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, letting it come to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally as it cooks for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and create a lovely glaze over the chicken.

        Serve: Once the marinade has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before slicing.

          Garnish and Enjoy: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter, drizzling any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Finish by sprinkling the dish with the sliced green onions and a generous scattering of sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

            Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken with a side of steamed rice or sautéed vegetables, and garnished with fresh herbs for a vibrant pop of color.