Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Strips
To achieve the best texture for your honey garlic chicken strips, consider marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. If you’re short on time, even a quick rub with garlic powder, salt, and pepper can enhance the taste. When frying, make sure your oil is hot enough. If the oil isn’t hot, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Lastly, let the cooked chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps the strips crispy by allowing air to circulate around them.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
Honey garlic chicken strips are versatile and can be served in several ways. For a quick meal, serve them over a bed of plain or fried rice, topped with the sweet sauce. If you want to mix things up, try them in a wrap with fresh veggies and a drizzle of ranch or sesame dressing. They also pair well with a simple side salad for a lighter option. For a party, consider serving them as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping. This dish also goes well with steamed broccoli or a stir-fried vegetable medley, balancing the sweetness of the chicken with some fresh greens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Sure, chicken breasts work fine but might not be as juicy as thighs. If you go that route, just keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts can dry out faster.
What can I serve with honey garlic chicken strips?
These chicken strips are great over steamed rice and pair well with steamed vegetables. You can also toss in some roasted sesame seeds for a little crunch and flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, try using an air fryer or oven to keep them crispy instead of the microwave.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yep, you can make the honey garlic sauce in advance. Just store it in the fridge and warm it up when you’re ready to serve.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One mistake is not letting the oil get hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak it up and turn greasy instead of crispy.
Honey Garlic Chicken Strips
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 tbsp avocado oil , plus more as needed
- 3 cloves garlic , grated or minced
- Steamed rice
- Steamed vegetables , optional
- Roasted sesame seed , optional
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, olive oil and hoisin sauce. Whisk until combined and then set aside.
- Cut the chicken into strips. Place in a shallow dish and then season with the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoned chicken with the cornstarch and toss to coat.
- Using a high rim frying pan, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook, in batches until browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Set aside.
- Reheat the same pan over medium high heat, adding more oil, if needed. Add the garlic and stir fry for 30 second. Add the honey garlic sauce and cook, stirring until thick and bubbly. Add the fried chicken strips and stir to coat. Remove from the heat.
- To plate, arrange the chicken and steamed vegetables (if using) over the rice. Drizzle more of the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables and then sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
Notes
Nutrition
Leave a Reply