The Ultimate Chicken Honey Chilli Recipe: Sweet, Spicy, and Irresistibly Delicious
This isn't just any chicken honey chilli recipe; this is the recipe you'll come back to again and again. It's a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, this recipe delivers. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is surprisingly simple, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
-
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
-
For the Honey Chilli Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2-3 red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for extra heat
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create your perfect chicken honey chilli dish:
-
Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside for at least 15 minutes to allow the chicken to marinate. This helps the chicken stay tender and ensures the sauce adheres properly.
-
Make the Honey Chilli Sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped chilies and cook for another minute.
-
Combine and Simmer: Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the wok. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
Add the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
-
Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook for another minute or two, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
-
Serve and Enjoy! Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional) and serve immediately with rice, noodles, or as an appetizer with bread or crackers.
Tips and Variations:
-
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred level of spiciness. Start with less and add more as needed. Red pepper flakes can add extra heat.
-
Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey.
-
Protein Swap: Feel free to substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp, tofu, or pork.
-
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a more complete meal. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
SEO Keywords Used:
This recipe utilizes a variety of keywords to improve its search engine optimization. Some key terms incorporated include:
- Chicken honey chilli recipe (primary keyword)
- Honey chilli chicken
- Sweet and spicy chicken
- Easy chicken recipe
- Chicken stir-fry
- Weeknight dinner
- Appetizer recipe
By incorporating these keywords naturally throughout the article, we improve its visibility to users searching for similar recipes online. Remember to share this delicious recipe with your friends and family – and don't forget to leave a comment below letting us know how yours turned out!