What To Know
- Spread the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
- To reheat, place the honey chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Craving a delectable dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors? Look no further than this delectable honey chicken recipe in the oven. This mouthwatering dish is a symphony of tender chicken, coated in a luscious honey sauce, and oven-baked to perfection. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
To create this culinary masterpiece, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Honey Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, and cornstarch. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Bake the Chicken:
- Spread the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
5. Add the Honey Sauce:
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and pour the honey sauce over the chicken.
- Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
6. Return to the Oven:
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the honey chicken from the oven and serve immediately.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for a Perfect Honey Chicken Recipe
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces: This will help the chicken cook more evenly and absorb the honey sauce better.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Make sure there is enough space between the chicken pieces so that they can cook evenly.
- Bake the chicken until it is cooked through: The chicken should be cooked through and golden brown.
- Add the honey sauce at the end: This will help prevent the sauce from burning.
- Serve the honey chicken immediately: This is when it is at its best.
Variations of the Honey Chicken Recipe
- Spicy Honey Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the honey sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Honey Chicken: Add an extra clove of garlic to the honey sauce for a more garlicky flavor.
- Sesame Honey Chicken: Sprinkle some sesame seeds on the chicken before baking for a nutty flavor.
- Orange Honey Chicken: Substitute orange juice for the rice vinegar in the honey sauce for a citrusy twist.
Storing and Reheating Honey Chicken
- Storing: Store leftover honey chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the honey chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: Serve the honey chicken with steamed rice or brown rice for a classic pairing.
- Vegetables: Serve the honey chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans.
- Noodles: Serve the honey chicken with noodles, such as ramen noodles or udon noodles.
“Beyond Honey Chicken”: Exploring Other Delectable Chicken Recipes
- Teriyaki Chicken: This Japanese-inspired dish features chicken marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce.
- Kung Pao Chicken: This popular Chinese dish is made with chicken stir-fried in a spicy sauce made with peanuts, chili peppers, and soy sauce.
- Chicken Tikka Masala: This Indian dish features chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled and served in a creamy tomato sauce.
- Chicken Cacciatore: This Italian dish features chicken stewed in a flavorful tomato sauce with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Popular Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it completely before cooking.
- How can I make the honey sauce thicker?
- To thicken the honey sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the honey sauce and cook over low heat until thickened.
- Can I make this recipe in a skillet?
- Yes, you can make this recipe in a skillet. Just heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Add the honey sauce and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
