Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is a timeless recipe that brings together the sweet and savory combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce in a way that will leave you craving more. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, yet it delivers a complex flavor profile that’s truly satisfying. When cooked in the air fryer, the chicken becomes wonderfully crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside—without the excess oil used in traditional frying methods. The honey adds a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich depth of the garlic and soy sauce, making each bite a delightful treat.

The use of the air fryer elevates this dish to a whole new level of convenience and healthiness. With less oil and a quicker cooking time, you can enjoy a crispy, golden chicken dinner that’s both delicious and healthier. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, ensuring that the exterior gets a satisfying crunch, while the chicken remains moist and tender. Whether you’re preparing dinner for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress with its flavor and presentation.

This recipe is incredibly versatile—you can easily adjust the sweetness or add spice to suit your personal preferences. Some people like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, while others prefer to keep it mild and sweet. Either way, the honey garlic sauce is rich and velvety, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that features tender chicken thighs or breasts coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The chicken is cooked in the air fryer to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior without using excess oil. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce makes this dish deliciously flavorful, while the air fryer gives it a healthier twist by reducing the need for oil. It’s a perfect meal for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Keyword: Chicken Recipe, Honey Garlic Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 605kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer

Mixing bowls

Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar optional, for tanginess
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it crisps up in the air fryer. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  
• Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir until well combined.
  
• Coat the Chicken: Brush the honey garlic sauce over both sides of the chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly to ensure it’s flavorful and sticky.
  
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature.
  
• Air Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts or thighs in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  
• Serve and Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
  

Video

Notes

• Chicken Cuts: This recipe works well with both chicken breasts and thighs. Thighs are a bit juicier and flavorful, but breasts work perfectly for a leaner option.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey amount depending on how sweet you like your sauce. You can also substitute with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
• Adding Spice: If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 605kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 98g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 258mg | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 1667mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 4mg

Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Chicken

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe offers several health benefits due to its simple and nutritious ingredients. Chicken breasts, which are the leaner option used in this dish, are an excellent source of protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and maintaining a healthy metabolism. The air fryer method helps to reduce the overall fat content of the dish by using less oil than traditional frying methods, making it a healthier choice.

Honey, while providing sweetness, also has several health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and has natural antimicrobial properties, making it a great option for soothing the throat and boosting your immune system. Additionally, garlic, the star ingredient in this recipe, is well-known for its heart-healthy benefits. Garlic contains compounds that may help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and promote healthy digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to overall health and wellness.

Using the air fryer further enhances the health benefits of this recipe, as it reduces the need for oils and helps preserve the nutrients in the chicken, making this dish a balanced and delicious option for a weeknight meal.