If you’ve been craving something sweet, savory, and perfectly satisfying all at once, this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Tender chicken breasts get a golden crust, then get lovingly glazed in a luscious sauce that balances the natural sweetness of honey with the pungent zing of garlic and the subtle tang of vinegar. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together in just minutes, making every dinner feel like a celebration with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful, using everyday ingredients that create magic together. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding crunch, richness, or that irresistible balance of sweet and savory.
- 500g / 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (2 pieces): Choose fresh chicken breasts for a tender, juicy base.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 1/4 cup flour: This helps create a beautiful golden crust when the chicken is fried.
- 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, divided (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil): Butter adds richness and helps the garlic sauce come alive with creaminess.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings that classic bold flavor that pairs wonderfully with honey.
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white or other clear vinegar): The vinegar’s tang balances the sweetness perfectly and brightens the dish.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce, light or all purpose: Adds a subtle umami depth that rounds out the sauce.
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and a sticky glaze to the chicken.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner steaks—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Season each piece well with salt and pepper because that’s the foundation of flavor we’re building on.
Step 2: Coat with Flour
Next, dredge each chicken piece in flour, ensuring they’re coated evenly but not too heavily. This simple step gives you that crispy, golden crust that contrasts the silky, sticky sauce we’ll finish with.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Cook Chicken
Heat most of your butter in a skillet over high heat until it’s sizzling hot. Add the floured chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes so the underside crisps up beautifully. Flip and cook the other side just for a minute to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Adjust Heat and Add Garlic
Turn the heat down slightly and slide your chicken to one side of the pan to make space. Add the minced garlic and the reserved butter to the open spot. Stir the garlic just briefly as it softens to release its savory aroma without burning it.
Step 5: Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey right into the pan. Stir gently or give the pan a little shake so those flavors meld and the chicken gets thoroughly coated in sticky goodness.
Step 6: Simmer Sauce and Coat Chicken
Let the sauce bubble away on medium heat for about a minute until it thickens slightly. Turn each chicken piece carefully in the sauce to soak up all those wonderful flavors. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water to loosen it.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove your skillet from heat immediately to keep the sauce from burning. Plate the chicken and drizzle every last bit of that gorgeous sauce on top. Serve hot and get ready for some serious compliments.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions make a perfect finishing touch by adding color and a mild freshness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds also adds a lovely texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the honey garlic sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus add that perfect green crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken sliced on top of a crisp salad or wrapped in warm tortillas for a quick honey garlic chicken wrap. It’s just as satisfying and perfect for a casual lunch or picnic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any finished chicken breasts and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately to maintain texture. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2 months for the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Avoid microwaving for long periods since it can dry out the chicken. Slow and steady warming keeps everything tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe too. They’ll be juicier and slightly more flavorful, but cook times might be a bit longer.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken. It will still crisp up nicely.
Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Certainly! Maple syrup is a great alternative and works beautifully in this recipe, lending a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Make sure to reduce the heat to medium-high before adding the garlic and butter. Stir the garlic quickly and only cook briefly—burnt garlic tastes bitter and can overpower the dish.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, easily! Just cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent that nice golden crust from forming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers big on flavor without fuss, the Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is a must-try. Its perfect blend of sweet and savory, paired with tender chicken and an irresistible glaze, makes it a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a go and watch how quickly it becomes a dinner staple in your home!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a luscious, golden honey garlic sauce. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of honey and savory notes from garlic and soy sauce, this quick and easy stovetop dish is ideal for weeknight dinners and serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500g / 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, divided (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white or other clear vinegar)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce, light or all-purpose
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts horizontally in half to create four thin steaks. Season each piece on both sides evenly with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Coat with Flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, ensuring an even coating, then shake off any excess.
- Heat the Skillet and Cook Chicken: Melt most of the butter (reserving about 1 teaspoon) in a large skillet over high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside develops a golden brown crust. Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute.
- Adjust Heat and Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-high. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet to free up space. Add the minced garlic and the reserved butter to this empty side. Stir the garlic briefly as the butter melts to release its fragrance without burning.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or gently shake the pan to combine the sauce ingredients and evenly coat the chicken pieces. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce and Coat Chicken: Let the sauce simmer for about 1 minute or until it slightly thickens, turning the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly with the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water and stir to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent the sauce from burning. Plate the chicken and spoon the remaining sauce on top. Serve the dish hot for best flavor.
Notes
- To ensure thin, even chicken pieces, carefully slice the breasts horizontally using a sharp knife.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or substituting maple syrup as desired.
- To make the dish dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil or another vegetable oil.
- For an extra touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
