Introduction
If you’re looking for a dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, look no further than sticky sweet garlic chicken. This delightful recipe promises to transform a simple dinner into a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds.
With its rich garlic aroma and sticky glaze, this chicken dish is perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings. The balance of sweetness and savory notes pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Not only is sticky sweet garlic chicken easy to prepare, but it also delivers impressive results that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this flavorful dinner delight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions & Preparation
- Begin by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken thighs. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Once seared, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
- After the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and place it back on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and drizzle the sticky sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
FAQs
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it by adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth and stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster.
What should I do if my chicken is dry after cooking?
If your chicken ends up dry, ensure that you monitor the internal temperature closely. Cooking it just until it reaches 165°F will help retain moisture.
Can I add other flavors to the marinade?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding chili flakes for heat or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.
What is the best way to serve sticky sweet garlic chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa, and a side of sautéed vegetables complements it perfectly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the garlic in the dish?
For a stronger garlic flavor, you can sauté the minced garlic in the skillet for a minute before adding the chicken.
Conclusion
Sticky sweet garlic chicken is a flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Its straightforward preparation and rich taste make it a go-to recipe for any home cook looking to elevate their dinner routine.
With the right balance of sweetness and savory goodness, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the compliments that come your way after serving this culinary delight!
Recipe Card
Sticky Sweet Garlic Chicken: A Flavorful Dinner Delight
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Place the chicken thighs into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken thighs. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Once seared, pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl.
- After the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and place it back on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and drizzle the sticky sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
