Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken

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### **Instructions:**

#### **1. Prepare the Chicken:**
Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. This will help enhance the flavors of the sauce.

#### **2. Sear the Chicken:**
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

#### **3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:**
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), and ground ginger. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

#### **4. Simmer the Sauce:**
Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and becomes sticky. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

#### **5. Coat the Chicken:**
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken further.

#### **6. Garnish and Serve:**
Once the chicken is coated in the sticky honey garlic sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color. Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides, like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

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### **Tips for Perfect Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken:**

– **Use Chicken Thighs:** If you prefer more flavor and juiciness, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will stay tender and flavorful.
– **Adjust the Sweetness:** You can control the sweetness of the dish by adjusting the amount of honey to suit your taste. For a less sweet sauce, simply reduce the amount of honey.
– **Add a Kick:** If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
– **Double the Sauce:** If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the ingredients for the sauce to ensure you have plenty to coat the chicken and serve with rice.
– **Make it Ahead:** You can make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to serve, just heat it up and pour it over the cooked chicken.

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### **Serving Suggestions:**

– **With Rice:** Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
– **Vegetables:** Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots to balance the sweetness of the dish.
– **Mashed Potatoes:** The creamy texture of mashed potatoes is a great complement to the rich, sticky chicken.
– **Noodles:** For a fun twist, serve the chicken over egg noodles or ramen for a complete meal.

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### **Conclusion:**

This **Sweet & Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken** is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory flavors. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings. With its tender chicken coated in a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a sticky, flavorful, and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!