Chicken Dinner in 20 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal, this Chicken Dinner in 20 Minutes is just what you need. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can have a fantastic dinner on the table in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this chicken dinner is the perfect way to enjoy a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors of honey, ginger, and soy sauce blend beautifully, and the entire dish can be cooked in just 20 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it with rice, veggies, or even noodles!
How to Make Chicken Dinner in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
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For Honey Ginger Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
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For Soy Glazed Chicken:
- 2 chicken thighs (boneless with skin)
- 3 tbsp corn starch
- 3 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tbsp five spice powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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For serving:
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Steamed rice
- Steamed veggies
- Roasted veggies
- Noodles
Directions
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For Honey Ginger Chicken: In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ginger, mirin, garlic, and sesame oil. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat cooking oil in a pan and cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and simmer the sauce in the pan for a few minutes. Return the chicken to the pan to coat in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Serve topped with sesame seeds and green onions, alongside steamed rice and veggies.
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For Soy Glazed Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and coat it in corn starch. Pan-fry the chicken until both sides are golden. Remove the chicken and mix soy sauce, garlic, five spice, and honey in the pan. Simmer the sauce, then add the chicken back to finish cooking while drizzling the sauce over it. Serve with green onions, sesame seeds, and a choice of rice, veggies, or noodles.
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For Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Season chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. (You can continue the cooking process as per your preferred spice level based on available ingredients.)
How to Serve Chicken Dinner in 20 Minutes
Serve the chicken with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and presentation. Pair it with your favorite veggies, whether steamed or roasted!
How to Store Chicken Dinner in 20 Minutes
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan or microwave until hot. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to a month. Just thaw before reheating.
Tips to Make Chicken Dinner in 20 Minutes
- Prepare all your ingredients before cooking to save time.
- Adjust the sweetness or spice by varying the amount of honey and chili sauce.
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Variation
Feel free to add your favorite vegetables into the pan while cooking. Bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas work great! You can also make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with tofu or mushrooms.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since they cook faster than thighs.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a variety of roasted or steamed vegetables.
3. How spicy is the spicy honey garlic chicken?
The spice level can be adjusted based on how much chili sauce or fresh chilies you want to use. Start with a little and add more to taste!