When you’re looking for a quick meal idea, honey garlic chicken breast is a must-try. It’s sweet, savory, and brings together tender chicken with a rich honey garlic sauce that’s hard to resist.
This recipe tackles time constraints, dryness of chicken, and flavor enhancement, providing an easy, satisfying meal solution for busy weeknights.
I remember a hectic weeknight when I needed something fast but satisfying. This easy honey garlic chicken saved the day, allowing me to whip up dinner in just 30 minutes. I’ve had my share of dry chicken incidents, but this recipe keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
What I love most is how simple it is to prepare and customize. Plus, the combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a sauce that really kicks things up a notch. If you want another easy dinner idea, consider my teriyaki chicken.
Table of contents
Dietary Considerations
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to soy sauce, which often contains gluten. Substitute with a gluten-free soy sauce for compatibility.
- The recipe contains honey, which may impact blood sugar levels, so it is unsuitable for strict diabetic diets without modifications.
- This recipe does not meet vegan requirements due to the use of chicken breast, making it incompatible with vegan diet guidelines.
- The recipe suits low-carb diets only when using an alternative sweetener instead of honey to reduce carbohydrate content effectively.
- The recipe is nut-free, as none of the ingredients used pose a risk for nut allergies in this dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Speedy Cooking: You’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a tasty honey garlic chicken breast, making it a great choice for those hectic weeknights.
- Flavor Fusion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a sauce that hits all the right notes. It brings together sweet and savory elements that make each bite satisfying and memorable.
- Juicy Chicken: Cooking in a skillet ensures your chicken stays tender and juicy. You can taste the difference in texture, especially when you baste the chicken with that rich honey garlic sauce.
- Meal Prep Ready: This chicken breast is fantastic for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge, letting you enjoy flavorful lunches throughout the week without sacrificing quality.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: main course
- Method: sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: gluten-free
Description
A quick and easy honey garlic chicken breast recipe that is sweet, savory, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup gluten-free soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat your chicken breasts dry using paper towels, ensuring they are free from excess moisture. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. This crucial step will enhance the natural flavor and keep your chicken moist while it cooks. If you have the time, letting the chicken rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes can help promote even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, gluten-free soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger. Whisk well to combine—all these ingredients form the flavorful honey garlic sauce that will coat the chicken. It’s worth tasting the sauce before adding it to the chicken; feel free to adjust the honey or vinegar according to your preference for sweetness and acidity.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on one side until it achieves a beautiful golden brown color. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure that the chicken sears properly; if you’re making more, it’s best to cook in batches.
- After the chicken is golden brown, flip it over and pour the prepared sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering phase will allow the chicken to absorb the flavors while cooking through; make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and cover to keep warm. With the chicken out of the pan, raise the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes. This process will reduce the sauce and concentrate the flavors, creating a thicker consistency.
- Slice the cooked chicken into serving pieces, then drizzle the thickened sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and a pleasing visual presentation. Consider serving this dish over a bed of steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- The apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey.
- Fresh versus pre-minced garlic can make a big difference; always opt for fresh garlic for its stronger flavor impact.
- If you want to experiment with flavors, consider substituting chicken breasts with thighs for a richer taste or adding sautéed bell peppers alongside the chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
- If lower carbohydrate content is desired, substitute honey with an alternative sweetener to make this dish suitable for low-carb diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, tender chicken breasts for juicy results. Look for a nice pink color without any dark spots. If you’re in a pinch, chicken thighs can work too.
- Honey: A good-quality honey adds natural sweetness and viscosity. Opt for local or raw honey if possible; it has richer flavors. Avoid processed honey as it can lack depth.
- Soy sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels while enhancing umami. Make sure to choose gluten-free soy sauce for a suitable option if needed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Mince or chop it yourself for the best potency instead of using pre-minced varieties, which can taste stale.
- Apple cider vinegar: This adds a tangy brightness to the sauce. Go for organic varieties for a more pronounced flavor. Regular white vinegar can substitute in a pinch.
- Ground ginger: Fresh ginger is preferred, but ground ginger works well for convenience. It adds a zesty warmth to the dish. Check for freshness; it should be aromatic and not stale.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté the chicken. It adds flavor and helps achieve a lovely sear. Avoid using oils with strong flavors that might overpower.
- Salt and pepper: Seasoning is key, so use fresh ground pepper for the best taste. Kosher salt is usually a better choice for cooking, as it dissolves nicely.
- Chopped green onions: They’re great for garnishing and add a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Choose vibrant green stalks and slice them just before serving for freshness.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal. Look for seeds that are light tan to off-white for the best flavor; avoid old, rancid ones.
Recipe Baking Tips
- If chicken isn’t browning, pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning to avoid moisture. Aim to do this right before placing it in the pan.
- For sauce that’s too sweet, whisk in an extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 5 minutes after adding it to the skillet for added tanginess without overpowering the dish.
- If sauce thinness is a concern, simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes after removing chicken. This will help it thicken up without burning.
- When reheating leftovers to retain moisture, splash in a tablespoon of water and cover with a lid on low heat for about 5 minutes.
- If you prefer extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes when making the sauce. This works well if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed brown rice or quinoa. Pair with roasted asparagus or a fresh cucumber salad.
Use to make a honey garlic chicken wrap or honey garlic chicken stir-fry. Add to sautéed bell peppers or a veggie rice bowl.
Top with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of lime juice. Drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce for added flavor.
Recipe variations
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor in your honey garlic chicken breast, resulting in a dish that’s packed with juiciness and tenderness.
- Add fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or basil with 2 tablespoons to the sauce for a refreshing twist that complements the sweetness of the honey and enhances the overall dish.
- Either serve the chicken alongside steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for a nutritious side dish, making the meal healthier and adding vibrant colors to your plate.
- If using leftovers, you can scale up the recipe by doubling the chicken to serve a larger group, ensuring everyone’s satisfied without compromising on flavor.
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How to Store?
To keep your honey garlic chicken breast fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 hours after cooking to maintain moisture.
Refrigeration: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid drying.
Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer bag up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Yes. Cook chicken breasts by marinating in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, then sauté until cooked through.
Yes. Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger for a flavorful honey garlic sauce.
Add honey during the last minutes of cooking to prevent burning while ensuring a sweet glaze.
Serve honey garlic chicken breasts with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Cook chicken breast at medium heat and avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer for optimal doneness.
Yes. Sauté garlic briefly before adding chicken to enhance its flavor without burning.
Prepare honey garlic by mixing honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and ginger until well combined for marinating.
Thicken honey garlic sauce by simmering it or adding a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water until desired consistency.
No. Ketchup is not typically included in honey garlic sauce recipes.
If you enjoyed this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
