Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

$- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup pure honey - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Sesame seeds for garnish - Chopped green onions for garnish The chicken in this dish brings a rich taste. I prefer using chicken thighs for their moist texture. They absorb flavors well, making every bite a joy. The broccoli adds a bright touch and gives a nice crunch. The marinade mixes sweet honey and savory garlic. This blend creates a tasty sauce that coats the chicken and broccoli. The soy sauce adds depth, while the vinegar gives a hint of tang. Ginger rounds it out with warmth. For garnishing, sesame seeds add a nutty flavor. Chopped green onions give freshness and color. Together, they make the dish look beautiful and inviting. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by mixing the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Next, cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in the marinade, making sure every piece gets coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors blend well. While the chicken marinates, get the broccoli ready. Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to turn bright green and become slightly tender. After that, drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the color vibrant. Now, it's time to cook! Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the marinated chicken from the bowl and add it to the skillet. Save the marinade for later. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once the chicken is ready, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and broccoli. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This thickens the sauce and coats each piece in flavor. Now, your honey garlic chicken and broccoli is ready to serve! To make the best marinade, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic enhances taste. Honey adds sweetness while balancing flavors. Make sure to whisk well. This mixes the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in deeply. For extra zest, add a splash of lime juice. Always taste the marinade before adding chicken. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. For tender chicken, start with medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan. This allows even cooking and browning. If you want juicy chicken, avoid overcooking. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time. You can boost the flavor with extra ingredients. Try adding chopped bell peppers or snap peas. They add color and crunch. For a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds on top when serving. Green onions add freshness too. To make it heartier, serve with rice or quinoa. These additions make the dish even more delightful. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Enhanced Flavor: For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least 1-2 hours or even overnight. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more deeply. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant taste compared to dried or powdered versions. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible! Adjust Sweetness and Saltiness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and soy sauce based on your taste preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for a saltier dish, increase the soy sauce. Perfect Cooking of Broccoli: Be cautious not to over-blanch the broccoli. It should remain bright green and still have a slight crunch for the best texture in the dish. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, you can use different veggies. Try bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Snap peas add a nice snap. Carrots bring a bright color and sweetness. You can also use green beans or zucchini for a fresh taste. Just make sure to blanch them like the broccoli. This keeps them bright and tender. Chicken thighs are great, but other proteins work well too. Chicken breasts can be leaner and still tasty. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a seafood twist. Tofu is a fantastic choice for a plant-based meal. For beef lovers, thin strips of flank steak add bold flavor. Just remember to adjust the cook time based on the protein you choose. If you like heat, make a spicy honey garlic version. Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra kick. You can also use sriracha for a nice blend of heat and flavor. If you want more spice, toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers with the broccoli. This will make your dish exciting and full of flavor. After enjoying your honey garlic chicken and broccoli, let the dish cool. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps keep track of freshness. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the chicken and broccoli in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, checking every minute until warm. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water in a skillet. Heat over medium until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can freeze honey garlic chicken and broccoli for later use. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They are leaner than thighs. If you choose breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces. You may need to cook them a bit longer. Always check that they reach 165°F for safety. Honey garlic chicken and broccoli pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed jasmine rice - Quinoa for a nutty twist - A crisp salad with light dressing - Noodles tossed in sesame oil - Riced cauliflower for a low-carb option These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish. You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 12 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor it absorbs. If you marinate overnight, the chicken will be very tasty. However, avoid marinating for over 24 hours, as it can change the texture. This blog covers how to make a tasty Honey Garlic Chicken with broccoli. You learned about the key ingredients, from chicken to marinades and garnishes. The step-by-step instructions guide you on marinating, cooking, and combining everything. You also discovered tips to make the chicken tender and flavorful and some fun variations. Finally, I shared how to store leftovers for later meals. Enjoy this dish anytime, and feel confident in your cooking skills. You can easily impress your family and friends!$

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken

A delicious blend of sweet honey and savory garlic with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 4 cup pure honey
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish Sesame seeds
for garnish Chopped green onions

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Add the diced chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor infusion.
While the chicken is marinating, fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they turn vibrant green and are slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Using a slotted spoon, remove the marinated chicken from the bowl (retain the marinade for later use) and add it to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and is completely cooked through.
With the chicken fully cooked, add the blanched broccoli into the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and broccoli, allowing everything to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes. This will enable the sauce to thicken and ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Once the dish is ready, remove it from heat. Serve the delicious honey garlic chicken and broccoli hot on a platter or individual plates. Garnish generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions to add a touch of freshness and crunch.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Keyword broccoli, chicken, easy recipe, honey garlic