Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving a weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend treat? These Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Glazed in a sticky-sweet, garlicky sauce, the chicken turns out juicy on the inside and gorgeously caramelized on the outside. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing dinner guests, this dish makes everyone happy.

What makes this recipe stand out is how effortlessly it comes together. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. The sauce thickens beautifully as it simmers, clinging to each bite of tender chicken. Serve it over a bed of rice, or alongside roasted veggies, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts perfectly every time, here are the tools you’ll need and why they matter:

• Large Skillet or Nonstick Frying Pan: A wide surface area ensures your chicken sears evenly, creating a golden crust that locks in moisture.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin (optional): If your chicken breasts are uneven, this tool helps pound them to a uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Tongs: Make flipping the chicken easier and cleaner, reducing the chance of tearing the golden crust.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly, especially the honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For prepping the sauce separately before adding to the pan.

Having the right tools prepped in advance helps streamline your cooking process and ensures consistently delicious results.

---

Ingredients for the Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose, whether it’s building flavor, providing texture, or balancing sweetness with savoriness.

• Chicken Breasts: The protein star of the recipe. Boneless, skinless breasts cook quickly and soak up the sticky honey garlic glaze beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection while adding richness.
• Garlic (minced): The key flavor driver. Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with that signature aromatic punch.
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps create a thick, glossy glaze.
• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami and balances the sweetness with a salty depth.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of acidity that sharpens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweet glaze.

---

How To Make the Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil or butter. Sear the chicken breasts for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Then pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each breast. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavor. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

---

Serving and Storing Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are best served fresh, hot from the skillet with the sticky glaze still bubbling. Pair it with fluffy jasmine rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or crisp green beans to soak up every drop of that sweet-savory sauce. For a low-carb twist, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Leftovers? You’re in luck. Store any extra chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep the chicken moist. The flavor deepens overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and store it with the sauce in the fridge. Reheat before serving. The flavors intensify as they sit.

Is there a way to make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not ideal for the sauce’s texture, but the chicken itself can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the sauce.

What sides go best with Honey Garlic Chicken?

Rice, quinoa, roasted broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or even a simple cucumber salad complement the dish perfectly.

---

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, a bold, spicy twist layered with cheesy comfort. Or try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a decadent and satisfying option that still comes together easily.

If you’re into sheet-pan simplicity, check out the One-Pan Smoky Spicy Chicken Rice Bake—a perfect blend of heat and hearty grains. Or for something with a tangy punch, the Sweet Baby Ray’s Crockpot Chicken Recipe never fails to deliver.

For a lighter but flavor-packed idea, the California Spaghetti Salad makes a perfect side or light dinner to pair with your protein.

---

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your chicken dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go spicy? Did you use thighs? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

For more recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?