🍽️ How to Make Honey Glazed Chicken

🧆 Ingredients

• 300g chicken thigh (cut into pieces)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 thumb ginger (minced)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Salt to taste

🍳 Steps

1. Selecting and Preparing the Chicken:

   • Choose fresh, boneless chicken thighs for the juiciest and most tender result. Look for chicken with a pinkish hue and no unpleasant odor. Avoid chicken that appears gray or slimy.
   • Rinse the chicken thighs under cold running water to remove any residual blood or bone fragments. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
   • Trim off excess fat or connective tissue, then cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces. Uniformity ensures even cooking.
   • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Marination helps the chicken retain moisture and enhances its taste.

2. Preparing the Aromatics and Sauce:

   • Peel and finely mince 2 cloves of garlic and a thumb-sized piece of ginger. Fresh aromatics are key to a fragrant dish.
   • In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1-2 tablespoons water. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Taste and adjust the amount of honey for your preferred sweetness level. Set aside.

3. Cooking the Chicken:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Swirl the oil to coat the surface evenly.
   • Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir-fry continuously for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides.
   • Add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Adding the Sauce and Glazing:

   • Pour the prepared honey sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should cling to the chicken and create a beautiful caramelized glaze.
   • If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash of water to prevent burning. If it is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.

5. Finishing Touches and Serving:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or extra honey as desired.
   • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon sesame seeds over the chicken and toss to combine.
   • Transfer the honey glazed chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions for color and aroma.
   • Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice and lightly cooked vegetables.

Additional Tips:

• Always use fresh chicken for optimal flavor and texture.
• Marinating the chicken longer (up to 30 minutes) will yield a more flavorful result.
• Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process.
• For a healthier version, you can use skinless chicken breast, but the result will be less juicy.
• To check doneness, cut a piece of chicken; it should be opaque and the juices should run clear.
• Clean all utensils and cutting boards that have touched raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili when stir-frying the aromatics.

💡 Tips

• Use chicken thigh for juicier texture.
• Adjust honey for desired sweetness.
• Stir-fry over medium heat to avoid burning.
• Garnish with sesame seeds for extra aroma.