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Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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