Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm plate of Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken. I remember the first time I made this dish; I was bustling around the kitchen, preparing for a family gathering. As the aroma filled the air, my family gathered around, curious about what was cooking. The sweet yet savory scent of honey and garlic was just irresistible. Every bite was a perfect blend of flavors, and before I knew it, the chicken was devoured in no time! This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to for any occasion. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend feast, Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken is sure to impress.

Essential Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

When it comes to making the perfect Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken, the ingredients you choose really matter. Each component plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying. The main players are the tender skinless chicken breasts, the rich soy sauce, and the sweet honey. Together, they create a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

• 4 Large Chicken Breasts – Skinless and boneless, these provide a lean protein base that absorbs all the sauce flavors beautifully.
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce – Opting for low sodium allows for a richer taste without overwhelming saltiness.
• 1/4 cup Honey – Brings sweetness and balances the savory soy sauce.
• 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce – Adds depth and complexity with its unique sweet and savory profile.
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar – Provides a gentle acidity to brighten the dish.
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Ginger – Minced ginger adds a zesty warmth that complements the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes – Just a pinch for a subtle heat that elevates the dish.
• 5 Garlic Cloves – Minced for a robust aromatic flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce and coat the chicken perfectly.

How to Assemble Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

Making Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this mouthwatering dish!

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is a crucial step for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

2. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The aroma should start to be enticing!

3. Take the chicken breasts and place them in a 9″ x 13″ baking pan. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously covered. This is where the magic begins!

4. Cook in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to release its juices and a golden hue appears on the surface.

5. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside. Using two forks, shred the chicken into pieces. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart.

6. In the same small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help to thicken the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the chicken.

7. Take the remaining liquid from the baking pan and pour it into a small saucepan. Bring it to a slight boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling, add the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously until it thickens. You want it to be glossy and smooth.

8. Now, pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken. Mix well until every piece is coated in that rich, flavorful sauce.

9. Serve your delicious Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken with a side of rice. Feel free to add additional toppings like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for an extra touch!

Tips for Success

Being prepared and following a few tips will ensure that your Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken turns out perfectly every time. Here are some helpful thoughts:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer bags and it can last for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even in wraps. It’s versatile!
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more honey to taste.
• Make it Spicy: For a kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes!

Accompaniments for Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

• Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Salads: A fresh salad with greens can complement the richness of the chicken.
• Wraps: Use the shredded chicken in wraps with fresh veggies for a quick lunch.
• Occasions: Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week.
• Seasonal Pairings: In colder months, pair with roasted vegetables. In summer, fresh salads are a great match.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken is a delightful and versatile dish that brings joy to every table. Its sweet and savory flavors combined with the tender chicken make it a family favorite. I encourage you to try making it yourself—you won’t regret it! Embrace the comforting warmth of this dish and enjoy every bite with your loved ones.

Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Honey Garlic Shredded Chicken is sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large Chicken Breasts
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Hoisin Sauce
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
• 5 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch

Equipment

• 9" x 13" baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Small Saucepan

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic and chili flakes.
3. Place chicken in a 9″ x 13″ baking pan and pour sauce on top. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink.
4. Remove cooked chicken from pan and shred with two forks. Set aside.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water making a slurry. Set aside.
6. Put the liquid from the chicken in a small saucepan and bring to a slight boil over medium-high heat. Add cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened. Pour sauce over shredded chicken and mix until all pieces are coated with the sauce.
7. Serve with rice and additional toppings (sesame seeds, chopped green onions or cilantro).

Notes

• Tip 1: Chicken breasts are easiest to shred. I don’t recommend using skin-on and bone in chicken.
• Tip 2: Another way to shred the chicken is with your hands. Simply pull apart the chicken piece by piece.
• Tip 3: Use a hand mixer. Place the chicken in a deep bowl and place the mixer over the chicken and turn on. It’ll take just a minute to shred the chicken. This method also works using a stand mixer with the dough paddle.

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