Sugar-Free Honey Garlic Chicken
A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.
Key Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Gluten-free option, Dairy-free option
- Cost: $12 for 4 servings
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Alternative: Wok or deep sauté pan
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) (600g/1.3 lbs)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or gluten-free flour (30g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener or sugar-free honey alternative (80ml)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (30ml)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (15ml)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (30ml)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Sesame seeds
Method:
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Coat chicken pieces in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Heat butter/oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in mixed sauce ingredients, simmer until thickened (2-3 minutes).
- Return chicken to pan, coat with sauce (2-3 minutes).
Crucial Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken.
- Watch garlic carefully to prevent burning.
- Sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready.
- Internal chicken temperature must reach 165°F (74°C).
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Freeze up to 1 month.
- Reheat in pan with a splash of water.
Variations:
- Spicy: Double red pepper flakes.
- Slow cooker: Cook 4 hours on high.
- Keto: Use additional sugar-free alternatives.
- Extra saucy: Double sauce ingredients.
Common Mistakes:
- Burning garlic (keep heat medium).
- Overcooking chicken (watch timing).
- Sauce too thin (simmer longer).
- Not patting chicken dry before coating.
This recipe transforms the classic honey garlic chicken into a sugar-conscious version without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for meal prep or family dinner!
