Introduction
If you are looking to elevate your chicken dishes to new heights, this Honey Soy Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. Marinated in a sweet and savory honey soy sauce, the chicken comes out tender and full of flavor. This versatile dish can be cooked on the BBQ or on a skillet, making it easy to prepare no matter the setting. Let’s dive into the ingredients and see how you can create this delectable chicken meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1.25 – 1.5 kg/2.5 – 3 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs OR breast
– 1 tbsp vegetable oil, for cooking
HONEY SOY MARINADE SAUCE:
– 1/2 cup soy sauce, all purpose or light
– 2/3 cup honey (sub maple syrup)
– 1/3 cup cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
– 1/4 cup Chinese cooking wine or dry sherry
– 1 tbsp sesame oil, toasted
– 1 1/2 tbsp garlic, finely minced
SERVING SAUCE:
– 1/3 cup water
– 1 1/2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
GARNISHES (OPTIONAL):
– Green onion, finely sliced
– Sesame seeds
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish ranges from 3 hours to 48 hours, depending on how long you choose to marinate the chicken. For optimal flavor, marinating overnight or for at least 24 hours is recommended.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Approximately 10 minutes for thighs and 8 minutes for breasts.
Total Time: Up to 48 hours (including marinating time).
Yield: Serves 4-6 people.
This Honey Soy Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions, you can bring a taste of the grill to your table in no time. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Marinade Sauce
Place 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 2/3 cup of honey, 1/3 cup of cider vinegar, 1/4 cup of Chinese cooking wine, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of finely minced garlic into a jug. Mix the ingredients well until the honey is completely dissolved.
Reserve Marinade
Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting and refrigerate it. Reserve 2/3 cup for the serving sauce and refrigerate.
Marinate Chicken
Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken thighs or breasts in a container. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover the container and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours, with a minimum of 3 hours of marinating time.
Prepare Serving Sauce
In a small saucepan, place the reserved serving sauce. In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornflour/cornstarch with 1/3 cup of water until well combined. Add this mixture to the saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Set aside and keep warm. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water to reach the desired consistency.
Cook Chicken Thighs
Preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat, or heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the BBQ. Cook the first side for 2 minutes, then flip and baste with the reserved basting sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, flip, and baste again. Continue flipping and basting every minute for a total cooking time of approximately 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C/165°F.
Cook Chicken Breasts
For chicken breasts, cook the first side for 2 minutes, then flip and baste. Cook for another 2 minutes, then flip and baste every 45 seconds for a total cooking time of around 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 66°C/151°F.
Rest the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and cover it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
Serve
Serve the chicken garnished with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions, with the prepared serving sauce on the side for guests to help themselves.
Notes
Note 1
Chicken – Boneless thighs and breasts are recommended for BBQ cooking. Bone-in chicken cuts will require more attention and longer cooking time.
Note 2
Soy sauce – Use light or all-purpose soy sauce. Avoid dark or sweet soy sauces as their flavors are too intense.
Note 3
Chinese cooking wine – This ingredient is essential for enhancing the marinade and sauce’s flavor. Alternatives include dry sherry or mirin.
Note 4
Toasted sesame oil is brown, while untoasted is yellow. Toasted sesame oil provides a stronger flavor.
Note 5
For hygiene, both the basting and serving sauces should use marinade that has not been mixed with raw chicken. This prevents contamination.
Note 6
The chicken can be marinated and then frozen for later cooking. Cooked chicken will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and can be reheated using the microwave or oven.
Note 7
The sauce will last for 4 to 5 days in the fridge and may be frozen, although its consistency could change after freezing.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Mix the marinade ingredients in a jug until the honey dissolves. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
Preparing the Serving Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the reserved marinade with a mixture of cornflour and water. Simmer over medium heat, stirring regularly, until thickened to a syrupy consistency.
Grilling the Chicken Thighs
Preheat the BBQ or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for 2 minutes on the first side, then flip, baste with the reserved sauce, and continue flipping and basting every minute until fully cooked.
Grilling the Chicken Breasts
For chicken breasts, follow a similar grilling method but reduce the cooking time. Flip and baste every 45 seconds until the internal temperature reaches the desired level.
Resting the Chicken
After cooking, transfer the chicken to a serving plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve garnished with sesame seeds and finely sliced green onions, with the sauce on the side for guests to use as desired.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks can be used. Cook at medium heat with the lid down for about 20 minutes or until they reach the proper internal temperature.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Use light or all-purpose soy sauce. Avoid dark soy sauce as its flavor is too intense for this dish.
Can I substitute Chinese cooking wine?
Yes, if you don’t have Chinese cooking wine, dry sherry, Mirin, or cooking sake are good alternatives.
How should I store leftover cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Is it safe to use leftover marinade for basting?
Only use the reserved marinade that has not been in contact with raw chicken for basting to ensure food safety.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?
The serving sauce will keep for 4 to 5 days in the fridge and can be frozen, although it may thin out after freezing.
Conclusion
This honey soy marinated chicken recipe offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors that is sure to impress. With minimal preparation and cooking time, it’s an ideal dish for gatherings or a weeknight meal. Take advantage of the options for basting and serving sauce to enhance the overall experience of this flavorful dish.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Honey Soy Tofu
Try substituting chicken with firm tofu to create a vegetarian version of this delicious marinade.
Grilled Vegetables
Marinate assorted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant in the honey soy sauce for a delightful BBQ side dish.
Honey Soy Salmon
Use the same marinade for salmon fillets, cooking them on the grill to bring out the rich, flaky flavor.
Honey Soy Shrimp Skewers
Marinate shrimp in the honey soy mixture for a quick and tasty seafood option, perfect for summer grilling.
Honey Soy Rice Bowl
Serve the marinated chicken over rice, topped with steamed vegetables and drizzled with the serving sauce for a complete meal.
Honey Soy Brussels Sprouts
Toss halved Brussels sprouts in the marinade and roast them for a sweet and savory side dish.
Honey Soy Marinade for Pork
Experiment with pork tenderloin or chops using the same marinade for a different protein option with delightful results.
