This honey garlic chicken is sweet, savory, and packed with bold flavor. Pan-fried chicken thighs are seasoned with our Mississippi Spice Company Poultry Blend, then paired with crisp vegetables and a glossy honey garlic sauce. A touch of lemon zest in the sauce brightens everything up, and serving it over quinoa and brown rice makes it hearty, healthy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
-
2 lbs chicken thighs
-
8 oz baby carrots, sliced in half lengthwise
-
4 cups broccoli florets, halved
-
2 cups snow peas
-
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
-
1½ cups honey garlic sauce (see below)
-
2 Tbsp Mississippi Spice Company Poultry Blend
-
Quinoa and brown rice, cooked (for serving)
Honey Garlic Sauce
-
½ cup brown sugar, packed
-
4 tbs garlic, minced
-
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
-
½ tsp onion powder
-
¼ cup soy sauce
-
4 Tbsp honey
-
2 cups water (reserve ½ cup for cornstarch mixture)
-
3 Tbsp cornstarch
-
1 tsp lemon zest paste
Instructions
-
Make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, garlic, ginger, onion powder, soy sauce, honey, lemon zest paste, and 1½ cups water. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with reserved ½ cup water. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring, until thickened. Set aside.
-
Season the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and rub with Mississippi Spice Company Poultry Blend.
-
Pan-fry chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a thin layer of garlic infused olive oil. Cook thighs 6–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add carrots, broccoli, and snow peas. Stir-fry 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
-
Combine: Add chicken back to the pan and pour ¾ cup of honey garlic sauce over the mixture. Slowly whisk slurry into sauce. Toss gently to coat.
-
Serve: Plate over quinoa and brown rice. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
Pro Tips
-
Use thighs for more flavor: Thighs stay juicier and more tender than chicken tenders or breasts.
-
Extra brightness: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the finished dish for even more zing.