How to Cook Chicken Honey

5 from 2 votes

Chicken Honey is a savory and sweet dish that combines tender chicken marinated in soy sauce, sugar, and garlic, then simmered to perfection and optionally grilled for added flavor.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Chicken Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: chicken honey, chicken recipe, sweet chicken

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 256kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

2 kilos chicken legs or thigh, cut into serving pieces
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 Tbsp. garlic crushed
2 pcs bay leaves
1 Tbsp. peppercorns crushed
water if needed
2 tsp. cornstarch diluted with 2 tsp. water for the sauce

For garnishing(optional):

2 stalks spring onions chopped
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

How to cook Chicken Honey:

Prepare the chicken marinade by combining soy sauce, sugar, garlic, bay leaves and peppercorns in a bowl. Mix the ingredients until the sugar is dissolved.
Put the chicken in the marinade and mix with the chicken until well coated and let stand for 30 minutes.
In a pan or wok, put the chicken with the marinade and bring to a boil. Then simmer until the chicken is tender. Add some water if needed just in case the sauce is drying up.
Prick the chicken with a fork to check if the chicken is already cooked. Juices should run clear.
Taste the sauce and adjust the sugar and soy sauce if needed. Add in the spring onions and simmer for a few minutes.
Remove the chicken from the sauce and grill the chicken. Thicken the sauce by adding cornstarch and simmer until the sauce is thick. Arrange the chicken in a platter and pour some sauce and garnish with sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

To ensure your chicken dish is packed with flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for even better results, let it sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This extended marinating time allows the soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and spices to deeply penetrate the chicken, making it more flavorful and tender. Just remember to cover the chicken well and keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Perfecting the Sauce Consistency

When thickening the sauce with cornstarch, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of cold water before adding it to the simmering sauce. This step prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. Stir the sauce continuously as you add the cornstarch mixture, allowing it to reach your desired consistency without clumping.

Achieving the Ideal Grill Marks

If you decide to grill the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for just a few minutes on each side, enough to achieve beautiful grill marks and a smoky flavor without overcooking it. This quick grilling step adds a delightful char and enhances the overall taste and presentation of your dish.