Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it a favorite in many households. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a busy schedule.

• Uses common pantry ingredients that deliver impressive restaurant-quality results.

• The sticky, sweet, and savory glaze is a crowd-pleaser.

• Tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich honey-garlic sauce.

• Minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pan cooking method.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter, divided

• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar

• ⅓ cup honey

• Kosher salt to taste

• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

• Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into four thinner pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with flour.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the soy sauce and vinegar, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

5. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken through.

6. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per side.

• Add Vegetables: Stir in some vegetables like bell peppers or onions during the sauce-making step for extra flavor and texture.

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the honey-garlic mixture for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and stay juicier. Adjust cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per side.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when it’s golden brown on both sides.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before adding the chicken.

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, noodles, or a simple green salad.

How long does leftover honey garlic chicken last?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent it from drying out.

Can I use different sweeteners instead of honey?

You can try maple syrup or agave nectar, but the flavor and consistency of the sauce may differ slightly.

How do I get the sauce to thicken properly?

Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 4-5 minutes to achieve the desired sticky consistency.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe contains flour, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary.

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but if you must, you can use pre-minced garlic as a substitute.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken breasts?

Slice the chicken horizontally into even cutlets to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a standout choice for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. The tender chicken and rich glaze will surely impress everyone at the table. Whether you're serving it with rice or vegetables, it's a simple yet flavorful meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

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Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

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This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats tender chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy dish is ideal for busy weeknights, and pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or noodles. With common pantry ingredients, you'll be able to enjoy restaurant-quality chicken with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter, divided

6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

¼ cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar

⅓ cup honey

Kosher salt to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into four thinner pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then coat evenly with flour.

• Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

• In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

• Add the soy sauce and vinegar, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

• Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over each piece. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken through.

• Garnish with sliced green onions and serve.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, but adjust the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes per side.

• Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions during the sauce-making step for extra flavor and texture.

• For a spicy kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the honey-garlic mixture.