Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Introduction

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a simple, satisfying dish. This easy recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with rice or steamed vegetables. The tender chicken breasts are coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Step 4: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken frequently. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your liking.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, and serve with cooked rice or steamed vegetables if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper sweetness and caramelization.
• To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Storage

Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier, more flavorful result. Adjust cooking times as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also be opaque and no longer pink inside.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 146 reviews

This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce made with soy sauce, butter, and a touch of vinegar. Perfectly seared on the stove and finished with a luscious, sticky glaze, this dish is ideal served with rice or steamed vegetables for a comforting and easy weeknight meal.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Thickening Agent

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish & Serving

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring even flavor throughout.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Create the sauce: Add honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider or rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
5. Cook chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s fully cooked and infused with sauce flavor.
6. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices. Slice if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, and serve alongside cooked rice or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
• Using low-sodium soy sauce controls the saltiness of the dish.
• Allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juicier results.
• Serve with rice or vegetables to make it a complete meal.

Keywords: Honey garlic chicken, Chicken breasts, Easy weeknight dinner, Honey soy chicken, Stovetop chicken recipe