This Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and delicious recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meal prep. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection and coated in a rich honey garlic sauce made with just five simple ingredients. Serve it with rice or steamed veggies for a complete, satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy ready in just 17 minutes!
- Sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor that everyone will love.
- Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Versatile pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or veggies.
- Perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional for Garnish:
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season and Coat: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Lightly coat each chicken breast with all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece to coat. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a kick of heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour or skip the flour entirely. Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower. Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the skillet while cooking the sauce for added nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook.
2. Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar works well as a substitute.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer until thickened.
4. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then pour the sauce over it before serving.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The sweet and savory flavors are appealing to kids. You can reduce the garlic if needed for younger palates.
6. Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, pre-minced garlic works, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
7. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
8. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. Use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding the chicken.
10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat them together before serving.
Conclusion
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken coated in a rich honey garlic glaze, it’s a surefire way to satisfy everyone at the table. Quick, versatile, and delicious, this recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Print
Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy recipe perfect for weeknight dinners! Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a rich honey garlic sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and butter. Ready in just 17 minutes, this flavorful dish is great for meal prep or last-minute meals.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Produce:
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 green onion (sliced, for garnish)
Condiments:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (seasoned)
Baking & Spices:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
Oils & Vinegars:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Dairy:
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season and Coat:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat the chicken with flour, shaking off any excess.
Cook the Chicken:
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Combine and Finish:
- Coat the Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is glossy.
- Garnish:
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
Serve:
- Plate and Enjoy:
- Serve the honey garlic chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy twist.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/honey-garlic-chicken-breasts/
