If you’re craving a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually comes together in under 30 minutes, this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is about to be your new weeknight superstar. Imagine juicy, perfectly seared chicken breast bathed in a glossy, sticky-sweet sauce with savory garlic and a hint of tang — it’s the kind of flavor-packed meal that feels comforting yet so simple. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few quick steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner that brings everyone to the table (and maybe even has them licking their plates afterward!).

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward list: each ingredient plays a special role, creating that balance of savory, sweet, and tang. Fresh, quality basics make all the difference, turning something simple into something crave-worthy. Here’s what you’ll need for the best Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless for fuss-free cooking; pounding them ensures juicy, even results every time.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in the chicken and sauce—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery kick that balances the honey’s sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Dredging gives the chicken that lovely golden crust and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps achieve that perfect sear.
Garlic: Fresh cloves offer bold, aromatic flavor — the star alongside the honey!
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and adds that signature sticky glaze.
Soy sauce: Infuses savory depth and a touch of umami for real flavor complexity.
Apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with gentle tang and brightness.
Water: Just a splash helps loosen the sauce so it coats the chicken evenly.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce swiftly, giving it that glossy, luscious texture.
Chopped parsley or green onions: Optional, but fresh herbs elevate everything — they add color and a pop of freshness right at the end.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by laying out your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and giving them a quick pound to an even thickness. This little step is my secret weapon for juicy, evenly cooked chicken every single time! Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper for flavor that goes all the way through.

Step 2: Dredge in Flour

Lightly coat each seasoned chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a delicate crust that turns golden in the pan and helps the sauce cling to the chicken later.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Try not to fuss — letting them sit is key to that lovely caramelized crust! When they’re done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it out — those browned bits mean flavor!), toss in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells irresistible. Meanwhile, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly, and watch it magically thicken into a glossy, golden-brown sauce within a couple of minutes.

Step 5: Coat and Simmer

Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning plenty of the sauce over each piece so they’re fully coated. Let everything simmer together for just another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to every bite. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions if you like a fresh, vibrant touch!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

Garnishes

For a pop of color and freshness, I absolutely love topping the chicken with chopped parsley or sliced green onions. They don’t just brighten up the plate; they add an herby finish that pairs beautifully with the sticky sauce. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is fantastic too.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats serving this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe over a mound of fluffy white rice (it soaks up every drop of that sauce!). Steamed broccoli, crisp-tender snow peas, or a quick stir-fried veggie medley make perfect sides. If you crave something heartier, buttery noodles or garlic mashed potatoes are dynamite with this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, slice the chicken and fan it over a bed of vibrant greens, then drizzle with extra sauce for a salad that’s anything but boring. You can also pile sliced chicken and sauce into lettuce wraps for a fun, fresh take, or even tuck leftovers into a wrap or sandwich for an exciting lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe stores beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge; it will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat!

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen, too! For best results, slice the cooled chicken and transfer it along with the sauce to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve that lovely texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works in a pinch, but I find stovetop reheating keeps the chicken more tender and the glaze nice and glossy.

FAQs

How can I make this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Everything else stays the same, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or texture!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or work in batches to sear the chicken without overcrowding. Doubling the sauce is highly recommended since everyone will want extra to drizzle over rice or veggies.

Do I have to use chicken breasts, or will thighs work?

You can totally use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. They’ll be juicy and flavorful; you may just need to cook them a minute or two longer depending on thickness.

Is it possible to make the Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe ahead for meal prep?

Yes! This dish makes an ideal meal prep option. Prepare as directed, cool completely, and pack into airtight containers with rice or veggies. Reheat as needed for easy, delicious lunches or dinners all week long.

Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?

Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets can go into the skillet after searing the chicken. Sauté them briefly, then continue with the sauce — it’s an easy way to get more veggies on your plate with no extra pans.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe brings together all the things I love in a home-cooked meal: quick, simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a sticky-sweet sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Give it a try — I genuinely think it’ll become one of your weeknight favorites, and I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and smothered in a luscious honey garlic sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Garnish:

Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Pound the chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Dredge the chicken: Lightly dredge each breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir constantly until it thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over to coat. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.