Few dishes strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory as beautifully as Honey Garlic Chicken Breast. With its sticky glaze, tender meat, and mouthwatering aroma, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a global favorite. The beauty of honey garlic chicken lies in its simplicity—minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and quick cooking time. Yet, the flavors feel complex, almost as though you spent hours perfecting the sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal for your family or impressing guests with a restaurant-worthy dish, honey garlic chicken delivers every time.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients and measure them precisely. This recipe serves 4 people.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 4 (about 1 ½ pounds / 680 g total)
All-purpose flour: ¼ cup (30 g), for dredging
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
Olive oil or neutral cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
Fresh garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Honey: ⅓ cup (115 g)
Low-sodium soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or substitute rice vinegar)
Water: 2 tablespoons (to thin sauce if necessary)
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional): 1 teaspoon, for finishing touch

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, if they are thick, slice them horizontally into cutlets about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots. Pat dry with paper towels.

In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, shaking off excess flour. This coating helps the chicken brown beautifully and provides a slight crust for the sauce to cling to later.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the honey garlic sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until the ingredients blend into a smooth, glossy sauce. If it seems too thick, add 2 tablespoons of water to loosen. Simmer the sauce gently for 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine chicken and sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken as it simmers. Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). The sauce will thicken slightly and cling to the chicken.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the chicken hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Conservation and Storage

Honey Garlic Chicken keeps well, making it excellent for meal prep.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool completely. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a pan to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Meal prep tip: Cook extra chicken breasts and double the sauce recipe. The dish reheats wonderfully for lunches throughout the week.

Variations

Protein swaps

Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier results. Adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take longer.
Shrimp: Replace chicken with large shrimp, searing for 1–2 minutes per side before tossing them in the honey garlic sauce.
Tofu: For a vegetarian option, pan-fry cubed tofu until golden and toss in the sauce.

Flavor twists

Spicy honey garlic: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for a sweet-heat balance.
Ginger addition: Grate 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger into the sauce for an aromatic kick.
Citrus notes: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice to brighten the flavors.

Cooking method changes

Baked version: Arrange dredged chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Grilled chicken: Grill chicken breasts until cooked through, then brush generously with honey garlic sauce just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Garlic Chicken is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce. Brown rice or quinoa works for a healthier twist.
Noodles: Toss with lo mein or soba noodles for an Asian-inspired dinner.
Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or sautéed spinach for a balanced plate.
Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes make a comforting side dish.
Salads: A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the sauce.

For a family dinner, serve family-style with the skillet placed at the center of the table. For meal prep, portion into containers with rice and vegetables for grab-and-go lunches.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Slice chicken evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
Don’t overcook garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so sauté only until fragrant before adding liquids.
Balance sweetness: If the sauce tastes too sweet, add a splash more vinegar or soy sauce.
Thicken naturally: Allow the sauce to simmer with the chicken for a few minutes; it thickens without needing cornstarch.
Rest before slicing: Let chicken sit for 2–3 minutes after cooking to keep juices locked in.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. With its sticky, sweet-savory glaze and tender chicken, this dish feels both comforting and elegant. It adapts easily to different proteins, sides, and cooking methods, making it a true kitchen staple. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, prepping meals ahead of time, or hosting guests, this recipe shines with versatility and flavor. Once you taste it, Honey Garlic Chicken will likely become one of your most requested and repeated dishes.

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Honey Garlic Chicken Breast: A Sweet and Savory Dinner Favorite

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that balances sweet and savory flavors. Quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds / 680 g total)

¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (for dredging)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral cooking oil)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

⅓ cup (115 g) honey

3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)

2 tablespoons water (optional, to thin sauce)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Slice thick chicken breasts horizontally into ½-inch cutlets. Pat dry. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge chicken in the mixture, shaking off excess.

Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.

Make sauce: Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet, then sauté garlic for 30–45 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Add water if sauce is too thick.

Combine: Return chicken to skillet. Simmer 3–4 minutes, spooning sauce over until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and sauce thickens.

Serve: Garnish with parsley and sesame seeds. Serve hot with extra sauce drizzled on top.