Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken

This simple chicken recipe for a Chinese stir-fry calls for 12 cloves of garlic. Honey's smoothness mellows the intense garlic flavor, and dried chiles add a kick of heat. The artful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy in this chicken dish characterizes classic Chinese cooking. Pairing honey with garlic may not seem like an obvious combination, but after trying this honey of a sauce, you'll be sweet on it yourself.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 8 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

2 tablespoons oyster-flavored sauce

1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine

1 teaspoon cornstarch

1/8 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/3 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

1-1/2 tablespoons cooking oil

12 cloves garlic, crushed

3 whole dried red chiles

1 cup cubed water chestnuts or jícama (1/2-inch pieces)

1. To make the marinade, combine the oyster-flavored sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and five-spice powder in a bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Let stand for 10 minutes.

2. To make the sauce, combine the chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey in a bowl.

3. Place a wok over high heat until hot. Add the oil, swirling to coat the sides. Add the garlic; cook, stirring, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. (Be careful not to let the garlic burn!) Add the chiles and cook until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Add the chicken and stir-fry until done, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the water chestnuts and the sauce; bring to a boil until the sauce reduces slightly and the chicken is fully glazed, about 2 minutes.

If the thought of peeling 12 cloves of garlic drives you out of your own skin, just remember that a good smash with the flat of your knife's blade makes quick work of slipping off those papery peels