Honey Garlic Parmesan Chicken: A Flavorful and Simple Recipe

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Written By Elona may

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Honey garlic parmesan chicken is one of those dishes that never disappoints. Its savory-sweet combination, with a hint of garlic and the richness of parmesan, makes it irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to follow, versatile, and deliciously satisfying. Plus, you can make it in a variety of ways to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish, from the ingredients to the perfect buttery topping.

Do Boneless Skinless Thighs Have to Be Used for This Recipe?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are often the best choice for this honey garlic parmesan chicken recipe. Why? Because they’re juicy, tender, and cook up nicely with a crispy exterior while staying moist inside. The absence of bones makes them quick to prepare, which is a huge bonus if you’re in a hurry. They also absorb the marinade better, which enhances the flavor.

However, if you don’t have boneless skinless thighs on hand, you can still use other cuts of chicken. Bone-in thighs will work, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. If you prefer chicken breasts, they can be used too, though they might dry out a bit if overcooked. Just make sure to monitor the cooking closely to avoid any dry meat. In the end, the cut you use will depend on your preference, but boneless skinless thighs remain the top pick for this dish.

How to Make Honey Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Making honey garlic parmesan chicken is simpler than you might think. First, start by preparing your chicken. If you’re using boneless skinless thighs, just give them a quick rinse and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in and makes the chicken even more tender. The marinade for this recipe is a blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other key ingredients. This combination gives the chicken a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky flavors.

After the marinating time, it’s time to cook the chicken. You can pan-fry, bake, or grill it, depending on what you prefer. For a crispy golden exterior, pan-frying works great. If you like a healthier option, baking it in the oven will work wonders. Regardless of the method, the most important part is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once your chicken is done, it’s time to add the star of the dish: the buttery garlic parmesan topping.

Now for the Buttery Topping!

This buttery topping is what makes the honey garlic parmesan chicken extra special. The richness of butter combined with the bold flavors of garlic and parmesan takes this dish to a whole new level. To make the topping, melt butter in a pan and stir in freshly minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and a bit of parsley for color and flavor. Once it’s all combined, pour it generously over the cooked chicken. This adds a rich, savory finish that makes each bite irresistible.

The beauty of this topping is in its simplicity. The butter acts as a carrier for all the flavors, allowing the garlic and parmesan to shine. It coats the chicken evenly, ensuring that every piece gets a burst of flavor. Adding the topping at the end ensures that the cheese melts perfectly, creating a luscious, flavorful sauce that ties everything together. This step may seem simple, but it makes all the difference in the dish’s final taste.

Honey Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for a fun twist on this recipe, try making honey garlic parmesan chicken skewers. This is a great option for grilling or serving at a party. Simply cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, thread them onto skewers, and then grill them over medium heat. The marinade works just as well for these skewers, infusing the chicken with flavor while it cooks. Once they’re done, top with the same buttery garlic parmesan mixture, and you’ve got a portable version of this delicious dish. These skewers are perfect for summer cookouts or any time you want to try something different.

The beauty of using skewers is the added smokiness from grilling, which enhances the flavor profile of the chicken. You can also play around with adding vegetables or even fruit like pineapple to the skewers for a more complex taste. Whether you’re grilling them for a quick dinner or serving them as appetizers, honey garlic parmesan chicken skewers are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

To make honey garlic parmesan chicken, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. These include boneless skinless chicken thighs, honey, garlic, soy sauce, parmesan cheese, butter, and some fresh herbs like parsley. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use freshly grated parmesan instead of the pre-grated variety. Fresh garlic is essential for that sharp, aromatic taste, so avoid garlic powder if possible. For the marinade, a simple combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic works wonders. You can also experiment by adding a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

The key to a great honey garlic parmesan chicken is the balance of flavors. You need the sweetness of honey, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the rich sharpness of garlic and parmesan. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a harmonious dish that’s full of flavor.

Marinade

The marinade for this honey garlic parmesan chicken is simple yet effective. To start, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of olive oil. You can also add some fresh lemon juice for a bit of acidity, which balances out the sweetness of the honey. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavor will be. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will still deliver a flavorful result.

Marinating the chicken is crucial because it allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, making every bite flavorful. If you want to prep the chicken in advance, you can even marinate it overnight in the fridge. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.

Buttery Topping

The buttery topping is the crowning glory of this recipe. To make it, melt butter in a pan and stir in fresh garlic and grated parmesan cheese. As the cheese melts, it creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. The garlic adds a wonderful aroma, while the parmesan gives the topping a sharp, tangy bite. Pour this topping over the cooked chicken right before serving to get the full effect.

The buttery topping adds richness and depth to the dish, making it feel indulgent and satisfying. It’s the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the honey and the savory flavors from the marinade. Whether you serve the chicken on its own or with a side of vegetables, this buttery finish will elevate the whole meal.

Instructions

To prepare honey garlic parmesan chicken, begin by marinating the chicken. Mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and coat the chicken. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more flavor. After marinating, cook the chicken according to your preferred method: pan-fry, bake, or grill. Once the chicken is cooked through, prepare the buttery topping by melting butter and mixing in garlic and parmesan cheese. Pour the topping over the chicken and serve immediately for a delicious, flavorful meal.

Notes

If you have leftovers, you can store the honey garlic parmesan chicken in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to do it gently to avoid drying out the chicken. You can reheat it in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep the moisture in. For make-ahead options, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance or even freeze the marinated chicken for later use.

This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients. You can try adding some red pepper flakes for heat or swapping the parmesan for a different type of cheese, like mozzarella, for a gooey twist. The options are endless!

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