This delightful Rhubarb and Honey Chicken recipe perfectly balances the tangy flavor of rhubarb with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a deliciously unique dish. The combination of the tender chicken with the tart rhubarb sauce makes for a savory and slightly sweet meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This dish is an excellent choice for a spring or summer dinner when rhubarb is in season, but it can be enjoyed year-round with frozen rhubarb as well. Serve it alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables to let the flavors shine.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the rhubarb sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the rhubarb and honey: Stir in the chopped rhubarb, honey, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the rhubarb softens and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Combine and bake: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the rhubarb sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired. Serve the chicken with the rhubarb sauce spooned over the top.
Enjoy your Rhubarb and Honey Chicken with a side of your favorite vegetables or a light salad!
