This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the honey garlic sauce creates a glossy, irresistible coating. It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Honey
Soy sauce
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for garnish
Directions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken to glaze it evenly.
Remove from heat and garnish with red pepper flakes or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is 5 minutes, cooking time is 15–20 minutes, for a total of about 20–25 minutes.
Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
Garlic Butter Twist: Finish the sauce with a small pat of butter for extra richness.
Oven-Baked Version: Bake chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then brush with sauce during the last 5 minutes.
Honey Garlic Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier option.
Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of sesame oil and garnish with green onions.
Lemon Honey Garlic Chicken: Replace apple cider vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning extra sauce over the chicken to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and tend to be juicier.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the chicken just before serving.
Is honey necessary?
Honey provides sweetness and helps create the glaze, but you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, adding the sauce near the end.
How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Add the garlic after removing the chicken and cook it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes, simmer the sauce a few minutes longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.
Can I add herbs?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can enhance the flavor of the dish.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients except olive oil and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until chicken is tender.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its sweet and savory glaze and tender, juicy chicken, it’s a recipe that’s easy to love and impresses every time.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a sweet and savory dish featuring juicy, pan-seared chicken coated in a glossy honey-garlic glaze. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Asian-Inspired
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice). Stir and bring to a simmer.
Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken.
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier alternative.Don’t burn the garlic—add it after cooking the chicken and cook just until fragrant.Add a pat of butter to finish the sauce for extra richness.To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
