Weekdays can be tough, especially when it comes to dinner. But, what if you had a solution that’s both tasty and simple? The honey ginger chicken recipe is here to save your weeknights.
This dish is quick and easy to prepare, ready in just under 20 minutes. It only needs 5 ingredients for the sauce. The star of the show? Tender chicken thighs that absorb all the flavors. Say goodbye to dry chicken breasts and hello to this new favorite.
Need a meal for the week or a fast dinner? This honey ginger chicken is perfect. The flavors get even better over time, making it a great choice. Impress your loved ones with this amazing honey ginger chicken recipe.
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Quick and Easy Honey Ginger Chicken
Looking for a tasty, simple meal for the family? Try this honey ginger chicken recipe. It’s made with just 5 ingredients. It’s great for busy nights or family dinners.
5 Ingredients for the Flavorful Sauce
The sauce in this honey ginger chicken is the key. It’s made with:
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Chili-garlic sauce (for a touch of heat)
Juicy and Tender Chicken Thighs
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor. The chicken is seared and then simmered in the sauce. It’s a gluten-free dinner option that everyone will love.
| Cooking Time | Storage | Freezing | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | Up to 5 days in the fridge | Up to 1 month in the freezer | 165°F for optimal juiciness |
“This one-pan dish is a true crowd favorite, offering bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s a go-to for our family’s easy weeknight meals.”
Why You’ll Love This honey ginger chicken
This honey ginger chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It uses just a few ingredients to make a tasty dish. It’s great for healthy protein sources and gluten-free dinner options.
Few Ingredients Needed
The honey ginger sauce is the main attraction. It’s made with 5 ingredients: soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Mix these with tender chicken thighs for a flavorful dish with minimal effort.
Great for Meal Prep
This honey ginger chicken is ideal for meal prep ideas. The flavors get even better over time. You can make a large batch and enjoy it for up to 3 days in the fridge. It’s a convenient and healthy protein source for busy weekdays.
“The juicy chicken will take on all the flavor from the honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and chicken stock, tasting even better than when you’ve just made it.”
This honey ginger chicken is a quick and easy favorite for weeknights. Its few ingredients and great meal prepping make it a hit in any home.
Ingredients Breakdown
The star of this honey ginger chicken recipe is the chicken thighs. They are boneless and skinless, making them quick to cook and full of flavor. Bone-in thighs are also great, adding extra taste.
Cornstarch is used to coat the chicken. This helps it brown well and gives a nice texture. Raw garlic and ginger add a fresh, zesty flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 3 to 3-½ pounds |
| Cornstarch | For dusting |
| Garlic, minced | 3-4 cloves |
| Fresh ginger, grated | 2 tablespoons |
| Organic runny honey | ¼ cup |
| Light soy sauce | ¼ cup |
| Chicken stock | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | For cooking |
| Green onions (optional garnish) | For serving |
| Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish) | For serving |
The recipe uses organic, runny honey for sweetness. Light soy sauce adds a savory taste. Chicken stock makes the sauce rich and shiny.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make a tasty honey ginger chicken dish? Follow these simple steps. It’s great for busy weeknights and packs a flavor punch.
Coating the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Then, place cornstarch on a plate. Coat the chicken well until it’s fully covered. This step makes the chicken crispy when fried.
Frying the Chicken
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add a bit of light olive oil. Place the coated chicken thighs in the pan and fry for 4 minutes on each side. This will give them a golden-brown crust. After frying, take the chicken out and set it aside.
Creating the Honey Ginger Sauce
In the same pan, add more oil. Sauté the grated ginger and minced garlic for 2 minutes, until fragrant. Then, add soy sauce, honey, and chicken stock. Stir well and put the seared chicken back in the pan. Let it cook for 5 more minutes, flipping halfway, until the sauce thickens a bit.
To finish, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve over jasmine rice or with roasted veggies for a full meal.
Air Fryer honey ginger chicken
Looking for a healthier fried chicken option? Try the air fryer honey ginger chicken recipe. It’s a delicious, guilt-free meal perfect for busy weeknights. The dish combines honey and ginger flavors with the air fryer’s convenience.
This recipe needs just 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and a few simple sauce ingredients. Skipping the frying step, the air fryer makes the chicken crispy and juicy. It’s lower in fat and calories than traditional fried chicken.
Prep and cook time is only 35 minutes. This air fryer honey ginger chicken is a quick, healthier meal everyone will enjoy. Let’s explore the details:
- Begin by dusting the chicken thighs with cornstarch for a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
- Put the coated chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 8 more minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F inside.
- While the chicken cooks, make the honey ginger sauce. Mix honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in a saucepan. Simmer until it thickens a bit.
- After the chicken is done, toss it in the honey ginger sauce. Serve it up for a tasty, healthier twist on a classic dish.
This air fryer honey ginger chicken is not only easy to make but also great for meal prep. Cooked chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s a convenient, healthy option for quick lunches or dinners.
Craving a tasty, crispy chicken dish with a flavorful twist? Try this air fryer honey ginger chicken recipe. It’s a healthier chicken dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
Serving Suggestions
The honey ginger chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice for a balanced meal. Steamed veggies like broccoli, cabbage, or pak choi add color and crunch.
For a twist, try it with noodles. It pairs great with chow mein, zucchini noodles, or lo mein. The chicken’s flavors complement the noodles perfectly.
For a quick meal, put the chicken in a sandwich or wrap. Use a soft bun or tortilla and add crisp veggies like cucumber, carrots, and lettuce. It’s a tasty, easy meal to take on the go.
Veggie-Packed Sides
To make your meal healthier, add extra veggies. Try tender-stem broccoli, edamame beans, or julienned cucumbers. They add freshness and crunch to your dish.
| Serving Suggestion | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|
| White or Brown Rice | 1 cup cooked per person |
| Steamed Broccoli, Cabbage, or Pak Choi | 1-2 cups per person |
| Noodles (Chow Mein, Zucchini, Lo Mein) | 1-1.5 cups cooked per person |
| Tender-Stem Broccoli, Edamame, Cucumber | 1-2 cups per person |
These serving suggestions turn the honey ginger chicken into a delicious, healthy meal. It’s great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoying the honey ginger chicken doesn’t have to end with the first meal. You can savor the flavors for days with proper storage and reheating. Here’s how to handle those precious leftovers:
To store the honey ginger chicken, place the cooked and cooled chicken in an airtight container. Put it in the refrigerator. The leftovers will keep for up to 4 days, making it a great meal prep option.
When reheating the chicken, there are a few options. The microwave works, but for best results, use the air fryer. Reheat the chicken at 320°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot throughout. Or, reheat it in a pan over medium-low heat with a drizzle of oil for 5-10 minutes.
To take the reheated chicken to the next level, make a fresh batch of the honey ginger sauce. The added moisture and flavor will make your leftovers taste like they just came out of the oven.
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the delicious honey ginger chicken throughout the week. It’s a go-to meal prep option that saves time and satisfies your cravings.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to try something new with your honey ginger chicken recipe? You can! This dish is super flexible. You can play with different proteins and ingredients to make it your own.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Need a vegan or vegetarian version? No worries! Swap the chicken for:
- 1cm sliced discs of eggplant
- Cubed extra-firm tofu
- Cauliflower steaks
Change the chicken stock to vegetable stock. Use 1 tablespoon of sugar or agave syrup instead of honey. This makes a yummy vegan sauce.
These changes will make a tasty vegan chicken recipes or vegetarian dinner ideas. They’re just as good as the original honey ginger chicken.
Other Protein Options
Want to try a different protein? Easy! Use beef steak or pork loin instead of chicken. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully done.
Choosing any protein, the honey ginger chicken substitutions will make a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Conclusion
The honey ginger chicken recipe is a delightful and easy meal for busy weeknights. It has a flavorful sauce made from just 5 simple ingredients. The juicy, tender chicken thighs make it a new family favorite.
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. The sweet honey, zesty ginger, and savory soy sauce create an irresistible sauce. It coats the chicken perfectly.
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total time of 4 hours and 10 minutes, including marinating, it’s easy to make. Pair it with white jasmine rice and your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
So, why not try this honey ginger chicken recipe? It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors in every bite.