Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This delicious dish blends the sweetness of honey with the heat of red pepper flakes to create a savory chicken recipe perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps for a quick and tasty meal!

Ingredients

  • cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces

Directions

  1. Gather all the ingredients together on your counter for easy access.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Set the mixture aside for later use.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour the honey mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well, making sure the chicken is evenly coated. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  5. Once done, remove from heat and serve the dish hot. Enjoy your sweet and spicy honey chicken!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts Amount Per Serving
Calories 179
Total Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 34mg
Sodium 481mg
Total Carbohydrate 18g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 13g
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 9mg
Iron 1mg
Potassium 131mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Honey Glazed Chicken is a delightful dish that balances the rich sweetness of honey with the savory depth of soy sauce and the spice of red pepper flakes. This combination creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats tender chicken, making it a popular choice in many households. The origins of this dish are deeply rooted in the tradition of combining honey with meats, a practice that dates back centuries in various cultures around the world.

History of Honey Glazed Chicken

The use of honey in cooking can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was used not only as a sweetener but also as a preservative and medicinal ingredient. Honey glazed meats were particularly popular in ancient Greece and Rome, where they would cook lamb and poultry with honey to add flavor and preserve the meat. The modern version of honey glazed chicken, however, is more closely associated with Asian fusion cuisine, combining Eastern ingredients like soy sauce with the sweetness of Western honey. This fusion reflects the growing global appetite for combining sweet and savory flavors, which has become a hallmark of modern cooking.

Regional Variations

While the base recipe for Honey Glazed Chicken is relatively simple, there are many regional twists that can be found across different cultures. In the United States, particularly in Southern cuisine, the honey glaze might be paired with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat, offering a sweet-heat combination that is beloved by many. In Asian-inspired variations, ginger and garlic might be added to the glaze, giving it a more complex flavor profile. In some versions, sesame oil is used instead of olive oil, adding a nutty undertone to the dish. The choice of chicken also variessome regions prefer using boneless breasts, while others may opt for wings or thighs, which offer a richer flavor due to the higher fat content.

Distinctions from Similar Dishes

While Honey Glazed Chicken shares similarities with other glazed chicken recipes, such as Teriyaki Chicken or General Tsos Chicken, there are key differences. The primary distinction lies in the sauce. Honey Glazed Chicken has a much simpler sauce, focusing on the sweetness of honey and the saltiness of soy sauce, often with just a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. In contrast, Teriyaki sauce is more complex, incorporating ingredients like sake, mirin, and sometimes brown sugar, while General Tsos Chicken typically features a more savory and tangy sauce with ingredients like rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sometimes chili paste. Honey Glazed Chicken tends to be less sticky and more subtle in flavor compared to these other Asian-inspired dishes.

Where is Honey Glazed Chicken Typically Served?

Honey Glazed Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings, from casual home dinners to festive gatherings. It is often found on the menu at Asian fusion restaurants, where it is typically paired with steamed white rice or stir-fried vegetables. In homes, it is a favorite for weeknight dinners due to its quick preparation and balanced flavors. Its ease of preparation makes it a go-to dish for busy families or anyone looking for a flavorful meal that doesnt require hours of cooking. The dish can also be served as an appetizer in smaller portions, especially during special occasions like holidays or gatherings.

Interesting Facts about Honey Glazed Chicken

  • Honey as Medicine: Honey has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. It is known for its antibacterial qualities and has been used to treat wounds and sore throats.
  • Global Appeal: The combination of honey and soy sauce is a cross-cultural favorite, blending the sweetness of the West with the salty umami of the East. This dish embodies the global love for sweet-savory flavor profiles.
  • Quick and Easy: One of the reasons why Honey Glazed Chicken is so popular is because its incredibly quick to prepare. The chicken can be cooked in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks.
  • Healthy Twist: Honey Glazed Chicken is relatively low in calories (around 179 per serving), making it a healthier option compared to other fried chicken dishes.
  • Customizable: The dish is highly customizable. Some people add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots to make it a one-pan meal, while others might spice up the sauce with ingredients like garlic, ginger, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.

Conclusion

Honey Glazed Chicken is a dish that beautifully combines sweet and savory elements, making it a crowd-pleaser for people of all ages. Whether you are following a traditional recipe or experimenting with your own variations, this dish has something to offer everyone. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich history make it a timeless classic in the world of home-cooked meals.

FAQ about Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Store leftover Honey Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from burning, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze Honey Glazed Chicken. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they are cooked through and the sauce thickens as desired.

If you don’t have red pepper flakes, you can substitute them with a small amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to add a bit of heat. Start with a pinch and adjust to taste.

Yes, you can double the sauce ingredients if you prefer more glaze. Be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to allow the sauce to thicken properly, and ensure it coats the chicken evenly.

Honey Glazed Chicken pairs well with steamed white rice, fried rice, or a vegetable stir-fry. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini, for a balanced meal.

If the sauce isn’t thickening to your liking, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water) to the sauce while it’s simmering. Stir it in and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and make it a more complete meal. Just stir-fry the vegetables in the same pan after cooking the chicken and add the sauce mixture.

Yes, you can make it spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or using a spicier sauce like sriracha. Alternatively, you can add freshly chopped chili peppers to the pan while cooking the chicken for a fresh kick.

If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can increase the amount of honey or add a bit of brown sugar to the sauce mixture. Taste it as you go and adjust to your desired sweetness.

Comments

Pamela Lopez

03/19/2024 01:04:36 PM

Here is the rewritten review: "I absolutely loved this recipe! Following a suggestion from another reviewer, I seasoned the chicken with salt, paprika, and ground mustard powder. After browning the chicken in oil, I set it aside and stir-fried about 4 cups of veggies in the remaining oil until warm. Next, I doubled the sauce mixture to accommodate the extra veggies, added it to the skillet with the chicken, and let it simmer until the sauce thickened slightly. A touch of cornstarch mixed with water helped achieve the perfect consistency. The sauce coated the meat and veggies beautifully and paired deliciously with steamed rice. Such a tasty dish!"

Mark Jones

04/17/2024 12:31:11 PM

I made a few modifications to the recipe: First, I coated the chicken in seasoned corn starch before browning it. Then, I added a splash of rice wine vinegar and some extra red pepper flakes for a bit more heat. I doubled the sauce and thickened it with a slurry. Finally, I added fresh broccoli. The result? Absolutely delicious!

William Rivera

05/10/2024 05:06:20 AM

I initially liked how this recipe turned out, but I decided to tweak it based on some feedback I read. I was concerned that the sauce might be a bit bland, so I added sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger to enhance the flavors. I also reduced the amount of soy sauce and opted for light soy sauce instead. Since I doubled the recipe, I used 3 tablespoons of light soy sauce instead of four. I increased the amount of red pepper flakes for an added kick, as I enjoy spicy food. After browning the chicken and adding the sauce, I thickened it with a cornstarch slurry. The sauce ended up being flavorful, well-balanced, and had a nice consistency.

Aaron Cruz

03/12/2024 10:29:36 PM

I enhanced the dish by adding broccoli and zucchini to the cooked chicken. With over 2 lbs of chicken, I tripled the sauce quantity and incorporated 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Topped it off with sesame seeds and served it with white rice. Absolutely scrumptious!

Jessica Clark

11/15/2022 03:38:37 PM

I enhanced the flavor profile by adding minced garlic and finely grated ginger root, which gave it a richer taste. A tip I have is to drain the liquid or most of it after cooking the chicken, as it can take a long time to thicken otherwise. My family absolutely adores this recipe, and I find myself cooking it every week.

Adam Smith

08/14/2022 12:17:41 PM

I found this recipe very easy to follow, and the taste was absolutely delicious. I made a couple of modifications to the original recipe: firstly, I marinated the chicken in oil and McCormick's Montreal Chicken Seasoning for 2 hours before cooking. Secondly, I prepared some rice and mixed it in with the finished dish.

Jennifer Miller

06/05/2025 01:44:30 PM

I decided to double the sauce recipe and since I didn't have any red pepper flakes, I used mango habanero sauce instead. I also threw in some pineapple chunks and a splash of pineapple juice into the mix. I served it over long grain rice with carrots and peas. My wife adored it and made sure I saved the recipe because she loved it so much.

Jack Torres

11/20/2024 11:51:44 AM

Simple and delicious recipe! After reading the reviews, I decided to enhance the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of garlic and a generous amount of fresh ginger to the sauce. I also seasoned the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Served it with fried rice on the side. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

David Davis

03/23/2025 08:07:52 PM

I recently overheard my husband compliment my cooking by saying how delicious the supper was that I had prepared. It was music to my ears! The meal was easy to put together and yielded great results. Following Krista's suggestion to coat the chicken with cornstarch first proved to be a game-changer. I kept stirring and cooking until all the sauce was absorbed, resulting in a flavorful dish. Additionally, using a Ginger Flavored Soy Sauce added a nice touch to the meal. We paired it with Sarah's Rice Pilaf, one of our favorite sides. Overall, it was a fantastic and quick supper!

Emma Miller

09/24/2023 10:12:06 AM

Here is the rewritten review: "I thoroughly enjoyed this recipe - it was simple, fast, and delicious. Following suggestions from other reviewers, I coated the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, mustard, salt, and pepper before cooking, and added a hint of ground ginger for extra flavor. I stuck to the original sauce recipe, and it turned out fantastic. Thank you for sharing! This dish has earned a spot in my regular rotation."

Kathleen Sanchez

01/04/2025 01:53:30 AM

Being a disaster in the kitchen, I found this recipe surprisingly easy to make, and the result was absolutely delicious! For those who were concerned that their chicken didn't turn out like the pictures, I recommend letting it simmer for a bit longer in the honey mixture – it really helped mine to get that nice glaze. I also decided to add some black pepper and paprika for an extra kick, just for fun!

Melissa Roberts

07/26/2023 11:20:09 PM

I followed the instructions exactly, but unfortunately, the sauce turned out watery and didn't cling to the chicken. It never thickened as expected and didn't enhance the flavor, except for the peppers sticking to the meat. After reading other reviews, it seems like many people added extra ingredients to improve the recipe. I might experiment with it in a different way next time.

Catherine Cruz

01/01/2025 05:15:00 AM

This dish is highly sought after by both my family and friends.

Robert Nelson

04/06/2025 03:55:30 PM

The final result didn't quite match the photo, but it was still really delicious.

John Allen

08/07/2023 01:31:25 AM

Exactly what I was looking for tonight for my sons! It was uncomplicated and straightforward. And they both really enjoyed it.

Samantha Robinson

10/15/2024 01:30:51 AM

The sauce could have been improved, it could have been sweeter as well. My husband believes it would have been better with a breaded coating.

Katherine Brown

12/08/2024 01:15:44 AM

I absolutely adored it!

Lisa Sanchez

06/10/2024 03:19:51 AM

One of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. I highly recommend giving this a try.

Jonathan Baker

09/16/2024 11:05:11 PM

One thing that really bothers me in recipes is when the sauce is amazing, but it doesn't cling to or penetrate the base (whether it's meat or rice, etc.) enough. That was the issue with this dish. Apart from that, it was decent, but I wouldn't consider it a top choice for a chicken meal, despite being quick and easy to make.