Hot Garlic Chicken: Your New Favourite Weeknight Dinner

Want a delicious, flavourful chicken dinner that isn’t a faff? Hot garlic chicken is your answer. This recipe is super easy, even if you’re a cooking novice. I’m going to show you how to make some seriously addictive hot garlic chicken, perfect for a family meal or a quick weeknight dinner.

Getting Started: Ingredients for Amazing Hot Garlic Chicken

1. Key Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Chicken

First things first: Let’s talk ingredients. You’ll need some juicy chicken thighs (though breasts work too). Chicken thighs are my personal preference; they stay incredibly moist and tender during the cooking process. There is nothing worse than dry chicken!

Next up is the star ingredient: garlic—lots of it! This is the magic that makes the recipe shine. You’ll need about 10 cloves of garlic, though using less will still yield a delicious dish. I prefer to mince it finely to ensure the garlic flavor is infused throughout every bite.

2. Balancing Flavors: Sweet, Savory, and Spicy

We’re also adding some soy sauce for that umami punch. I am a big fan of soy sauce. Soy sauce adds the perfect layer of saltiness and savouriness to make it a truly delicious dish! Don’t forget the honey – it balances the savoury notes of the soy sauce and garlic with a touch of sweetness.

To up the flavour profile, and make it a truly great spicy garlic chicken, we’re adding some chili flakes. Start with a small amount and add more to your liking. You can always increase the heat level later, but you can’t take it away! I prefer to use red chilli flakes, as they offer a nice visual to the dish as well.

Don’t forget the ginger. Freshly grated ginger adds a subtle yet noticeable warmth and depth to the flavour. The rice vinegar provides a nice tang which cuts the richness of the honey and soy sauce. And finally, a little sesame oil for that beautiful aroma and nutty flavour.

You’ll also find this recipe needs some green onions for that final garnish. This is optional, of course, but it adds a vibrant colour and freshness. This hot garlic chicken recipe is perfect with some vegetables on the side, or even a simple salad.

Cooking Up a Storm: Simple Steps to Perfect Hot Garlic Chicken

Let’s get cooking! First, marinate your chicken. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, chili flakes, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Mix this hot garlic chicken marinade well. Then, add your chicken thighs and toss to coat so all the chicken is covered completely. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes – the longer the better.

Now, let’s choose our cooking method. Personally, I prefer air frying my hot garlic chicken because it results in beautifully crispy skin and juicy meat. To prepare, place the marinated chicken pieces into your air fryer and cook at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked. For those new to air fryers, this helpful video guide provides step-by-step instructions to perfect your technique.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you could easily pan fry or bake the chicken. If baking, place in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30-40 minutes. If pan frying, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips for perfect results:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan or the air fryer basket. This will ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
• Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili flakes.

Serving Up Your Delicious Hot Garlic Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top to give your hot garlic chicken an extra layer of visual elegance and flavour.

Serve your flavorful hot garlic chicken immediately. This recipe is superb served with fluffy white rice, steaming noodles, or even a vibrant green salad. It’s a complete meal, simple and easy. This is a truly satisfying dinner, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Enjoy your Hot Garlic Chicken!

This recipe for hot garlic chicken is a winner! It’s a simple yet flavourful dish that is bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Try this recipe today, and let me know what you think!

Hot garlic chicken, the ultimate weeknight winner, deserves a deeper dive. Let’s perfect your technique.

FAQ: Troubleshooting Your Hot Garlic Chicken

This section tackles common hot garlic chicken recipe questions.

• My chicken is dry! Using chicken thighs instead of breasts helps prevent dryness; they’re naturally more succulent. Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 74°C (165°F).
• Too spicy? Start with less chili flakes, adding more cautiously. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away! A dash of honey can help balance the heat.
• Not crispy enough? Air frying is your best bet for crispy skin. If baking or pan-frying, ensure the chicken is patted dry before cooking and don’t overcrowd the pan. A high heat helps crisp up the skin nicely.
• Leftovers? Store your hot garlic chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s equally delicious cold or reheated – perfect for lunch!

Amping Up Your Hot Garlic Chicken Game: Tips & Tricks

Let’s level up your hot garlic chicken skills.

Mastering the Marinade: The Key to Tasty Chicken

The longer your chicken marinates, the more flavour it absorbs. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better! This hot garlic chicken marinade is the foundation of its deliciousness. Experiment! Add a splash of lime juice for extra zing.

Exploring Different Cooking Methods: Beyond Air Frying

While air frying delivers superbly crispy results, alternatively, baking or pan-frying works too. For baking, ensure your oven is properly preheated; for pan-frying, use medium heat to prevent burning. Oven-baked hot garlic chicken is a fantastic option for a more hands-off approach.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Hot Garlic Chicken Experience

Your hot garlic chicken deserves the perfect accompaniments; consider serving it with fluffy rice, egg noodles, or a refreshing salad. Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complement the savory flavours beautifully.

Ingredient Tweaks: Personalise Your Perfect Dish

Feel free to experiment! Swap chicken thighs for breasts (remember to watch for dryness!), add extra ginger for a stronger kick, or use a different type of soy sauce to alter the flavour profile. A touch of sesame seeds adds extra texture and flavour.

You can get inspired by this youtube video, which provides a step-by-step guide to mastering this recipe

Hot Garlic Chicken Variations: From Sweet to Spicy

Let’s explore fun variations on the classic hot garlic chicken recipe.

Honey Garlic Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Reduce the chili flakes and increase the honey for a sweet and savory dish. The balance of sweet and savoury makes this option extremely popular. This variation is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a wider range of palates.

Spicy Garlic Chicken: Turn Up the Heat!

Add more chili flakes, a dash of sriracha, or even a few finely chopped chilies for extra heat. Go wild and tailor to your spice preference. A great way to add extra depth of flavour is to finely chop fresh chillies and mix it into the marinade.

Korean Hot Garlic Chicken: A Fusion of Flavors

Incorporate Korean-inspired flavours; add gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a smoky, sweet, and spicy kick. Toasted sesame seeds and spring onions are the perfect garnish for this fusion-style dish.

Remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking. Your perfect hot garlic chicken awaits!

For more chicken recipes explore: Chicken and Shrimp Recipe: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Dinner for Any Occasion