Sizzling Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe for Busy Nights

Golden, succulent chicken breasts with honey garlic sauce dance between sweet and savory in this irresistible meal.

Marinades work magic when carefully balanced with simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward recipes delivering restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

Marinating transforms ordinary protein into something extraordinary and memorable.

Minimal prep meets maximum satisfaction in this crowd-pleasing dish.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again for its delightful blend of rich, caramelized notes.

Grab your skillet and let’s create culinary magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• What does dredging the chicken in flour do?

Dredging helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior on the chicken and allows the sauce to stick better to the meat, enhancing both texture and flavor.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute seasoned rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or cut into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this honey garlic chicken is not spicy. It offers a sweet and savory flavor combination without any heat, making it suitable for most palates.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Highlights

• Savor Simplicity: This honey garlic chicken recipe offers a straightforward cooking process that anyone can master, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or family gatherings, this dish pairs wonderfully with various sides like rice or steamed vegetables, making it incredibly adaptable.
• Quick Kitchen Magic

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the flavorful honey garlic sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for cooking the chicken and developing a golden-brown exterior.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and adds depth to the overall taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light, crispy coating that helps seal in the chicken's moisture and creates a beautiful golden crust.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory, umami depth to the sauce.
• Seasoned Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tangy note that balances the sweetness.
• Honey: Offers a natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy glaze.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color to the dish.

How to Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prep the Skillet

Heat olive oil and butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to sizzle.

Step 2: Transform the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner pieces
• Season both sides with salt and black pepper
• Coat each piece in all-purpose flour, gently shaking off excess

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Cook the floured chicken in the hot pan for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and almost fully cooked.

Transfer chicken to a plate, keeping pan juices.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Melt remaining butter in the same pan over medium-low heat.

Add garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Create the Sticky Sauce

Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Add honey, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Reunite and Finish

Return chicken and its juices to the pan. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully glazed.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer chicken to serving plates. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions.

Serve alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.

Helpful Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

• Cut chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout each piece.
• Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping and achieve a light, crispy golden-brown exterior on the chicken.
• Sauté garlic quickly over medium-low heat and stir constantly to release flavor without scorching, which can create a bitter taste.
• Simmer sauce until it reaches a glossy, slightly thickened state that coats the chicken without becoming too sticky or runny.
• Plate chicken immediately after glazing to maintain the optimal temperature and preserve the sauce's vibrant flavor and glossy appearance.

Variations to Try with Honey Garlic Chicken

• Spicy Kick Variation: Replace honey with sriracha and brown sugar for a fiery, tangy chicken dish that brings heat to the table.
• Low-Carb Friendly Option: Substitute flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free coating that keeps the chicken crispy.
• Mediterranean Transformation: Swap soy sauce with lemon juice and add oregano, replacing honey with agave nectar for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and eliminate dairy completely while maintaining the rich, caramelized sauce texture.

Best Pairings with Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich honey garlic sauce, balancing the sweet and savory flavors with its bright acidity.

Fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly, creating a harmonious base that enhances the chicken’s sticky glaze.

Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus provides a tender, slightly crisp vegetable side that adds freshness and nutritional balance to the dish.

A light, tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, sweet-savory chicken, cleansing the palate between bites.

Storing Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

• Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering honey garlic chicken breasts deliver a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Succulent chicken glazed with golden honey and aromatic garlic promises a quick, delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar

Seasoning and Garnish:

• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• Green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Establish a savory foundation by warming olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect cooking surface for the chicken.
2. Transform chicken breasts into thinner cutlets by carefully slicing each piece lengthwise, creating four uniform portions. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then delicately coat each piece with all-purpose flour, removing excess for a light, crisp exterior.
3. Carefully place floured chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes. The chicken should be nearly cooked through but not overdone. Transfer to a holding plate, preserving any accumulated pan juices.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and melt remaining butter in the same skillet. Introduce minced garlic, stirring constantly for 30-60 seconds until aromatic but not burnt, releasing its robust flavor.
5. Deglaze the pan by adding soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, using a wooden spoon to lift and incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the pan’s surface. Incorporate honey, additional salt, and black pepper, creating a rich, glossy sauce.
6. Simmer the sauce for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency that will elegantly coat the chicken.
7. Return chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the sauce. Spoon the sticky glaze over the meat, ensuring complete coverage and final cooking for 1-2 minutes.
8. Elevate the dish by garnishing with thinly sliced green onions, adding a fresh, vibrant element. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help flour adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version.
• Reduce honey quantity or use sugar-free maple syrup for low-sugar dietary needs.
• Utilize low-sodium soy sauce to control salt intake without compromising flavor profile.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture and distribute internal juices evenly.
• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 309 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg