Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are the right mix of sweet, savory, and a tiny touch of sour. The chicken is cooked just so and then covered in a thick honey garlic sauce made with fresh garlic, soy sauce, and honey. This recipe is simple to make and tastes great. It’s great for busy weeknights or memorable family dinners. With only a few ingredients, it tastes great, fills you up, and is full of flavor.
Flavor Profile and Appeal
The combination of tastes in Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is what makes them so good. The chicken is juicy and tender, and the honey garlic sauce is sweet, salty, and full of flavor. The soy sauce and honey make it the perfect mix of sweet and salty, and the garlic adds a nice smell and taste. This recipe is easy to make and tastes great. It will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- Breasts of chicken
- 4 cloves of fresh garlic, chopped up
- 2 teaspoons of honey from the area
- Three tablespoons of soy sauce
- Two teaspoons of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
- 2 tablespoons of flour
Cooking Instructions
- Getting the chicken ready
Cut the chicken breasts into cutlets by cutting them across the width. Use paper towels to dry them off, then sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. To help with the searing process, lightly coat the chicken with flour. - Making the Perfect Sear
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Put the chicken in the pan when it’s hot and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it. This will help it get a golden sear. Turn the chicken over and cook it for 3 to 4 more minutes, or until it is golden brown on both sides and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Take the chicken out of the skillet and put it on a plate. - Making the Sauce
Turn down the heat and add the rest of the butter to the pan. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and swirl it frequently for about 30 seconds, or until it smells good. Add the soy sauce and use a wooden spoon to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. - Making the Dish
Add the honey and let the sauce boil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it gets a little thicker. Put the chicken back in the pan and ladle the sauce over each piece to cover it. To make sure the chicken is properly cooked and has taken in the flavors of the sauce, let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. - Serve and have fun
Serve the chicken hot with the sauce on top after it has cooked and the sauce has thickened. Serve it with your favorite sides, like rice, steamed vegetables, or noodles.
Key Ingredients & Tips
These items are necessary for this recipe to turn out perfectly:
- Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best since they cook fast and soak up the sauce’s flavor.
- Fresh garlic: gives the sauce a strong, aromatic flavor that is very important.
- Honey: The sweet honey balances out the salty soy sauce and makes the sauce thick and sticky.
- Soy sauce: adds salinity and depth of flavor to the sauce, which goes well with the honey’s sweetness.
- Butter and olive oil: These fats help make the sauce rich and tasty, and they also help the chicken sear nicely.
Additional tips:
- Let the chicken rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit for about five minutes to keep its juices and tenderness.
- Don’t hurry the sauce reduction. Let the sauce boil and get thicker on its own. This will bring out all the great tastes.
- Don’t throw away the drippings from the pan. The browned pieces in the pan are full of flavor, so be sure to scrape them up when you make the sauce.
The Special Sauce
The sauce is what makes Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts so special. Honey, soy sauce, and garlic work together to generate a sweet, salty, and deep flavor that helps the chicken taste better and makes every bite taste great. It’s the best sauce to pour over rice or vegetables.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
You may make this dish your own by adding other tastes, but it’s really great on its own. If you want the sauce to taste a little sour, add a dash of vinegar. If you want it to taste fresh, add some chopped green onions. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce if you want it spicy. This will give it a little kick. You could also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, tastier option.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts taste well with a lot of different sides. To round off the dinner, serve it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. You can also put it over noodles for a quick and easy supper.
Equipment Needed
- Use a big skillet to brown the chicken and make the sauce.
- A knife and chopping board for cutting up the chicken.
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
Storage & Reheating
To Store: Let the chicken cool down before putting it in a container that won’t let air in. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days.
To freeze, put the chicken and sauce in a container that can go in the freezer and freeze it for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, take it out of the freezer and let it defrost in the fridge overnight. Then, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Nutrition Information
Based on four servings, here’s how the nutrition breaks down for each serving of Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts:
- 420 calories
- 14g of fat
- 38g of carbohydrates
- 32g of protein
- 2 grams of fiber
You may make it lighter by using less honey or butter, or by using a sugar-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, this recipe works wonderfully with chicken thighs. Just change the cooking time to 6 to 7 minutes per side, since thighs take a little longer.
How do I tell when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It should be golden brown on the exterior and no longer pink inside.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?
For a full supper, serve this chicken with rice, steamed veggies, noodles, or a salad.
Can I create the sauce before I need it?
Yes, you may make the sauce two days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Before adding the chicken, heat it up again.
How long does leftover Honey Garlic Chicken last?
Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Quick Summary
- 2 big chicken breasts
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Sear the chicken and remove from the skillet.
- Make the honey garlic sauce, then return the chicken to the pan.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is a simple, tasty recipe that blends succulent, grilled chicken with a rich, acidic sauce. It’s quick to prepare and excellent for any meal!