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:
- Place ingredients in a jug and mix well until honey is completely dissolved.
- Reserve 1/4 cup for basting, refrigerate.
- Reserve 2/3 cup for serving sauce, refrigerate.
Marinade Chicken:
- Pour remaining marinade over chicken in a container. Coat chicken thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 48 hours (minimum 3 hrs).
Serving Sauce (Makes 1 cup):
- Place reserved sauce in a small saucepan.
- Mix cornflour and water, then add into saucepan.
- 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:
- Brush BBQ plate or grills with oil and heat to medium-high. Or heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- 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:
- Transfer to a serving plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.
Serve:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.