Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with Mitsu Ken's Garlic Chicken! This mouthwatering recipe is about to become your new obsession, combining the perfect balance of savory garlic, sweet honey, and tender chicken that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're a cooking novice or a kitchen pro, this Asian-inspired dish promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right in the comfort of your own home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot.
- Carefully place marinated chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan, allowing the skin to crisp and turn golden brown, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken thighs and continue cooking on the other side for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Optional: Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before marinating to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that's absolutely irresistible.
- For maximum flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you can plan ahead, letting it sit in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours will intensify the taste.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible - it provides the most even heat and creates the most beautiful crispy skin.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets perfectly crisp and golden.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender.
- For an extra flavor boost, try garnishing with toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg