Braised Honey Chicken
Sweet and savory honey chicken braised with orange juice, ginger, and pineapple, offering vibrant flavors perfect for a quick, family-friendly meal with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash chicken and pat dry.
- Heat salad oil in wok or heavy skillet.
- Add chicken, green onion, and fresh ginger root.
- Brown slowly over medium heat for 10 minutes, turning several times.
- Drain excess oil.
- Mix orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and salt.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the pan.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Remove chicken onto a warm serving platter.
- Boil the juices down about 2 minutes to make a thick glaze.
- Spoon the glaze over the chicken.
- Garnish with pineapple chunks and green onion slices.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or preferred sides.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange juice, honey, and soy sauce mixture for at least an hour before cooking. If you're out of fresh ginger, ground ginger can be a substitute, though the flavor will be milder. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color, which can also complement other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Teriyaki Broccoli for a colorful plate. For a lighter option, consider a simple cucumber salad or Marinated Chinese Vegetables to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Braised Honey Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover and heat until warmed through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Braised Honey Chicken contains roughly 616 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since it cooks faster than bone-in pieces. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't dry out, and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for honey if I'm looking for a vegan option?
For a vegan substitute, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Both alternatives will provide a similar sweetness to the dish without compromising its flavor. Just keep in mind that the overall taste may vary slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the juices run clear when pierced. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into a piece of chicken; it should be opaque and no longer pink inside. Simmering for 30 minutes usually ensures it's fully cooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).