Chicken Breasts with Honey and Garlic
This recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts makes regular chicken taste amazing. Chicken breasts are covered with flour and fried in a pan until they are golden brown. Then they are completed in a sauce mixed with honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The sauce gets thicker and makes a shiny covering that is both sweet and salty. It just takes 30 minutes to make, so it’s great for hectic weeknights. It goes nicely with rice or vegetables. This recipe is a family favorite because the chicken is tender and the garlic sauce is sticky and sweet. It’s also quick to make and looks great when you serve it.
Roasting chicken breasts in a delicious honey-garlic sauce makes for an amazing midweek dish that turns basic ingredients into something really exceptional. The magic happens when the honey, garlic, and soy sauce mix together and cover each piece of chicken in a shiny layer that’s just the right amount of sweet and salty.
I cooked this for my family get-together last week, and even my finicky nephew wanted more. The key is to let the sauce cook down until it has that wonderful sticky texture that sticks to every bite.
Ingredients & Tools
Things you need
- 1 pound of chicken breasts with no bones or skin
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of butter, split
- 6 cloves of garlic, cut into thin slices
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup of honey
- Kosher salt to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Thinly slice the green onions.
Tools You’ll Need
- Big frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
Directions
- Step 1
Put a large frying pan over medium to medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. - Step 02
Cut the chicken breasts into four thinner pieces by cutting them lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper, then cover evenly with flour. - Step 03
Cook breaded chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Step 04
Melt remaining butter over medium-low heat. Cook sliced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. - Step 05
Add soy sauce and vinegar, scraping pan bits. Stir in honey, pepper, and salt. Simmer 4-5 minutes until thickened. - Step 6
Return chicken to pan, cook in sauce for 1 minute until heated. Serve garnished with green onions.
Important Parts
- Chicken breasts: For consistent cooking, look for parts that are the same thickness. To get better browning, dry them off before seasoning them.
- Fresh garlic: Pick heads that are hefty and firm, with tight cloves. Freshly minced food tastes better than food that comes in a package.
- Local honey: Raw honey gives a rich sweetness and helps make that glazing that you can’t resist.
- Soy sauce: Choose organically brewed kinds for a stronger umami flavor.
- Butter: European-style butter contains less water in it, which makes the sauce richer.
- Extra virgin olive oil offers a hint of fruitiness that goes well with the honey.
Notes
This easy and tasty recipe blends sweet honey with savory garlic and soy sauce.
The Best Pairings
The sweet and salty flavor goes great with:
- Jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce
- Broccoli or green beans that have been steamed
- Asian-style coleslaw for a fresh crunch
Helpful tips for storing
- Put leftovers in a container that won’t let air in:
- Keep in the fridge for up to three days.
- You can freeze it for up to two months.
- Gently reheat with a little water
Questions That Are Often Asked
- Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work excellent and keep even juicier. Just change the cooking time to 6–7 minutes per side.
- How can I tell when the chicken is done? Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the food is golden brown and the inside temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- What goes well with honey garlic chicken? Rice, steamed veggies, noodles, or a simple green salad are great sides for this meal.
- Is it possible to make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce up to two days ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Before adding the chicken, heat it up.
- How long does honey garlic chicken that you have left over last? Keep in the fridge in a container that doesn’t let air in for up to three days. Gently reheat to keep it from drying out.
Allergy Information
Please verify ingredients for potential allergies and consult a health expert if in doubt.
- Wheat (flour)
- Soy