Honey Soy Chicken Recipe

Introduction:

Unlock the secrets to culinary mastery with our tantalizing Honey Soy Chicken recipe. Bursting with savory flavors and a touch of sweetness, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will elevate your cooking game to new heights. In this SEO article, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating this mouthwatering dish and explore why it’s a must-have in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1.25 – 1.5 kg / 2.5 – 3 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs or breast
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil, for cooking

Honey Soy Marinade Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2/3 cup honey (substitute maple syrup)
  • 1/3 cup cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, finely minced

Serving Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch

Garnishes (Optional):

  • Green onion, finely sliced
  •  Sesame seeds

Instructions:

Marinade Sauce:

  1. Place ingredients in a jug and mix well until honey is completely dissolved.
  2. Reserve 1/4 cup for basting, refrigerate.
  3. Reserve 2/3 cup for serving sauce, refrigerate.

Marinade Chicken:

  1. Pour remaining marinade over chicken in a container. Coat chicken thoroughly.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 48 hours (minimum 3 hrs).

Serving Sauce (Makes 1 cup):

  1. Place reserved sauce in a small saucepan.
  2. Mix cornflour and water, then add into saucepan.
  3. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Set aside and keep warm. If it gets too thick, just add a bit more water.

Cook:

  1. Brush BBQ plate or grills with oil and heat to medium-high. Or heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. For thighs: Cook the first side for 2 minutes, then flip and dab with reserved basting sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, flip and baste. Then flip/baste every 1 minute for a total cook time of ~10 minutes or until a thermometer reads 75°C/165°F.
  3. For breast: Cook the first side for 2 minutes, flip, and baste. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and baste every 45 seconds or so for a total cook time of ~8 minutes (internal temp 66°C / 151°F).

Rest:

  1. Transfer to a serving plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.

Serve:

  1. Serve chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onion, with sauce on the side so people can help themselves. Enjoy your delicious Honey Soy Chicken!

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or freshly chopped cilantro over the Honey Soy Chicken just before serving for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
  2. Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve the Honey Soy Chicken alongside steamed white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or pair it with stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas for a complete and balanced meal.
  3. Drizzle with Extra Sauce: Reserve some of the marinade before marinating the chicken and simmer it in a saucepan until slightly thickened. Drizzle the extra sauce over the cooked chicken for an additional layer of flavor.
  4. Serve with Asian-Inspired Dipping Sauce: Offer a side of soy sauce mixed with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar as a dipping sauce for the Honey Soy Chicken for an extra burst of umami flavor.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover Honey Soy Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and flavor.
  2. Freeze for Future Use: If you have more leftovers than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing them for later enjoyment. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Portion Before Freezing: To make reheating easier, portion the Honey Soy Chicken into individual servings before freezing. This allows you to thaw only what you need and prevents the entire batch from being thawed and reheated multiple times.
  4. Label and Date: Be sure to label the containers or bags with the contents and date before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. This ensures that you can keep track of how long the chicken has been stored and maintain food safety standards.

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe? Absolutely! While chicken thighs are often preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can certainly use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust accordingly to prevent overcooking.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Ensure that all other ingredients used, such as honey and spices, are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

3. Can I marinate the chicken for too long? While marinating the chicken for a longer period can enhance flavor, marinating for too long (such as overnight or more than 24 hours) may result in the chicken becoming overly salty due to the soy sauce. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken without overpowering it.

4. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it? Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through, basting with the marinade as needed. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

5. Can I use the leftover marinade as a sauce? It’s not recommended to use the leftover marinade as a sauce without cooking it first. Since it has been in contact with raw chicken, it may contain harmful bacteria. However, you can reserve some of the marinade before adding it to the chicken and simmer it in a saucepan until it thickens slightly, then use it as a sauce for serving. Alternatively, you can discard the leftover marinade and make a fresh batch for serving.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our Honey Soy Chicken recipe is a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, tender and juicy chicken, and simple yet sophisticated preparation, this dish is a winner for any occasion. Whether served at a casual family dinner or a special gathering with friends, Honey Soy Chicken is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and have everyone coming back for seconds. So fire up your grill or preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of our Honey Soy Chicken recipe.

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