Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick, 12-minute recipe that features juicy chicken breast cutlets in a delicious 5-ingredient honey garlic sauce! Made with pantry staples, this sauce turns into a delightful glaze when simmered with seared chicken, transforming a few simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal—perfect for busy weeknights.
If I were to list my top 5 most-used sauces, Honey Garlic Sauce would surely make the cut. It’s simple yet irresistible, turning golden and sticky as it cooks. Searing the chicken and then finishing it in the skillet until caramelized takes this dish to the next level.
Ready in just 30 minutes (including prep) and cooked in one pan, this Honey Garlic Chicken is a weeknight winner. I’m a big fan of easy meals like this, along with my favorites like Honey Lime Shrimp and Creamy Garlic Chicken. This recipe will be a staple in your dinner rotation for sure!
Since my honey garlic salmon recipe has been a big hit, I wanted to try the sauce with chicken too. Chicken is a go-to at our house—it’s versatile and a favorite for the kids. This recipe is a nostalgic nod to a honey garlic chicken I used to make when I first started cooking, and it still hits the spot every time!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe shines for its simplicity and incredible flavor, ready in just 20 minutes with one pan. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days without compromising on taste.
- Minimal Ingredients, Big Flavor: A handful of basics—chicken, garlic, honey, and soy sauce—create a surprisingly flavorful dish.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze, ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile Pairing Options: Enjoy it over rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.
- Crowd Favorite: The sweet-savory sauce appeals to everyone, making it a family-friendly hit.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Here’s how to get the most flavor out of each ingredient when making Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken Breast: Choose fresh, boneless, and skinless breasts for the best texture. If they’re on the thicker side, slice them horizontally to ensure even, quicker cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly sliced garlic brings a more intense flavor than pre-minced. Don’t hold back—the garlic is key to the dish’s savory-sweet profile.
- Honey: The honey’s quality can enhance the sauce’s sweetness and complexity. A high-quality honey adds a floral richness that perfectly balances the soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce: For a deep umami flavor, go for a quality soy sauce. If you’re aiming to reduce sodium, a low-sodium option works great without sacrificing taste.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Using both adds richness to the dish and helps brown the chicken beautifully for that perfect finish.
How To Make This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Preparation:
- Begin by heating a mixture of olive oil and butter in a large pan. This combination not only cooks the chicken thoroughly but also infuses it with a rich flavor and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
Preparing the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces that cook evenly and quickly. Season generously with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. This light coating forms a wonderful crust and will later help thicken the sauce.
Cooking the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the heated pan, cooking each side until golden and almost fully cooked. Remove and set the chicken aside, preserving all those flavorful pan juices.
Making the Sauce:
- Add a bit more butter to the pan, then stir in minced garlic, cooking until it becomes fragrant—this is where the flavor magic begins! Deglaze with soy sauce and vinegar, then add honey. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Finishing Touches:
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating it generously in the sauce, and heat through. You’ll be left with beautifully glazed chicken, perfect for impressing at any meal.
Storage Options
Savor your Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts even later! Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to change it up:
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken for turkey breasts or pork chops for a delicious variation.
- Plant-Based Options: Try firm tofu slices or tempeh as a vegan substitute; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Sauce Tweaks: For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari. If you prefer some heat, add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Honey Swaps: Use maple syrup in place of honey for a different sweetness that pairs perfectly with garlic and soy.
SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cooking Base: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season each piece with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then dredge the chicken in all-purpose flour, coating evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the floured chicken to the heated pan, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and almost fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan, reserving any juices.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic, stirring constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Finish the Sauce: Pour in the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the honey, along with a few cracks of black pepper and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer on medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Warm: Return the chicken and any reserved juices to the pan, letting it simmer in the sauce for about a minute until fully warmed through.
- Serve: Plate the chicken, garnished with thinly sliced green onions for added freshness and color.