Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro, Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is about to become your go-to weeknight hero. It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and garlicky — and ready in just about 12 minutes!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Garlic Chicken Breast lies in fresh, everyday ingredients each playing a starring role. Take a peek at what you’ll need to transform simple pantry basics into restaurant-level deliciousness!

• Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless pieces — halved into thin steaks so they cook up golden and juicy super fast.
• Salt and pepper: Just a simple sprinkle on both sides brings out all the natural flavors.
• Flour: Dredging the chicken in flour gives it that light, irresistible crust and helps the sauce cling to every bite.
• Unsalted butter (or olive oil): Butter gives maximum flavor and gorgeous browning, but you can use olive oil for a lighter touch.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable — it infuses the entire dish with aroma and depth.
• Apple cider vinegar (or any clear vinegar): Adds brightness and balance to the sweetness — don’t skip it!
• Soy sauce: Lends salt, umami, and complexity to the glaze — light or all-purpose both work beautifully.
• Honey: The sticky, golden backbone of the sauce — maple syrup can step in for a twist.

Variations

This is the kind of recipe you can riff on endlessly! Honey Garlic Chicken Breast welcomes tweaks and swaps for everything from protein choice to sweeteners, so make it your own.

• Maple Honey Fusion: Substitute maple syrup for honey, or use a blend, for a deeper, richer glaze.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the honey sauce for some gentle heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour out for cornstarch or your favorite gluten-free flour blend — the crust still gets beautifully crisp.
• Swap the Protein: Try boneless chicken thighs or even pork chops using the same method and sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Step 1: Slice the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and slice each horizontally to create two thinner pieces (you’ll have four steaks in total). This trick isn’t just for speed — it helps the chicken cook evenly, stay tender, and soak up all that delicious sauce.

Step 2: Season and Dredge

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken, then dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This ultra-thin coating creates a gorgeous, golden crust once cooked.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Melt most of your butter in a large skillet over high heat, saving about a teaspoon for the next step. Add the chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottom is beautifully golden, then flip and sear the second side for just 1 minute.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Make the Sauce

Lower the heat slightly. Scoot the chicken aside, add the reserved butter and garlic, and stir briefly until fragrant. Then in goes the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey — give it all a stir! Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about a minute.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

Turn the chicken pieces to coat them in the sticky sauce. If the glaze thickens too much, just splash in a little water to loosen. Pull the pan off the heat to keep everything tender, plate up, and don’t forget to drizzle all that extra honey garlic goodness over the top!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Garnishes

Scatter over a handful of freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for a bright pop of color. For a bit of crunch and subtle nuttiness, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds makes the Honey Garlic Chicken Breast feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This chicken is a natural with steamed white rice (to soak up that glorious sauce), fluffy mashed potatoes, or simple buttered noodles. For veggies, try crisp steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a crunchy cabbage slaw to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, slice the chicken and fan it out over a bed of rice, spooning over extra sauce. Tuck it into a toasted sandwich roll or wrap with crunchy lettuce and extra glaze for a quick lunch twist, or pile pieces into a grain bowl with your favorite veggies and pickles for meal-prep magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast stores beautifully in the fridge. Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container along with a spoonful of the sauce, and it will stay tender and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. For best results, let everything cool completely before freezing to prevent excess moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through. Add a splash of water if the glaze looks too thick — the chicken will stay juicy and the sauce glossy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a weeknight legend — it’s comforting, quick, and absolutely bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic or make it your own, I hope you fall in love with this recipe as much as I have. Give it a try tonight and savor that sweet, garlicky magic!

Print