Honey glazed chicken

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Chicken

• 600 g chicken (boneless thighs or breasts)
  Thighs stay juicier, but breasts also work if cooked carefully.
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for mild warmth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  Helps the sauce cling to the chicken.

Honey Glaze Sauce

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
  Balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but recommended)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes or black pepper (optional)

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces.
2. Place in a bowl and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cornstarch.
3. Mix well so all pieces are evenly coated.
4. Let rest for 10 minutes while preparing the sauce.

The cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the glaze stick better.

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Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.
2. Stir until smooth and well blended.
3. Taste and adjust:
   • Add more honey if you want it sweeter.
   • Add more vinegar if it feels too sweet.

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Cooking the Chicken

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add a small amount of oil.
3. Place chicken in a single layer.
4. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.

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Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Pour the prepared honey sauce into the pan.
3. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The sauce will bubble, thicken, and turn glossy. If it thickens too fast, add a splash of water.

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Step 5: Final Adjustment

1. Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and sticky, turn off the heat.
2. Let the chicken rest in the pan for 2 minutes to absorb more glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve honey glazed chicken with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Garlic fried rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans
• Stir-fried noodles

You can sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top if desired.