Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Look no further! This Bachan's Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight meals or a casual weekend gathering. It's unbelievably easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and the results are simply mouthwatering. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
- Green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You can bake the chicken, pan-fry it, or grill it—the choice is yours!
-
Baking: Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
-
Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve this delicious chicken with rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of mirin (sweet rice wine) to the marinade.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: Roast the chicken alongside your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers, for an easy and healthy one-pan dinner.
- Meal prep friendly: This chicken is fantastic for meal prepping. Prepare a large batch and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using chicken thighs and will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy Bachan's Chicken recipe is a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a testament to how delicious and satisfying homemade cooking can be, even with minimal effort. Enjoy!