Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

This quick and easy honey garlic chicken breast recipe will become a weeknight favorite. Perfectly seasoned and tender chicken breasts are glazed with a delicious honey garlic sauce that is sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients. You can enjoy a tasty, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey garlic chicken breast is all about the balance of flavors. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich, savory-sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken breasts. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a gourmet meal, but it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and incredibly flavorful—what’s not to love? Perfect for busy nights when you need a fast, yet impressive dinner.

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper

• 1/2 cup flour

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or margarine)

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 3 tbsp vinegar

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring an even coating.

3. Heat the butter (or margarine) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and ground black pepper.

6. Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

7. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

8. Pour the honey sauce mixture into the skillet and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.

9. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

10. Serve the chicken with the sauce poured over the top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 15-20 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can sauté vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas in the skillet with the chicken for a one-pan meal.

• Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.

• Substitute Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work great in this recipe as well.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or heat it in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a little extra sauce to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. If you cook frozen chicken directly, it may not cook evenly.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine is a fine substitute if you don’t have butter on hand. The flavor may vary slightly, but the recipe will still work well.

What can I serve this dish with?

This chicken goes great with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just heat it up when you’re ready to use it.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check or cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink left.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it works great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken ahead of time, store it in individual containers, and reheat it during the week.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat.

How thick should the honey garlic sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add chili flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it an extra kick.

What should I do if my sauce becomes too thick?

If the sauce gets too thick while simmering, just add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Conclusion

This honey garlic chicken breast recipe is an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a family, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich, savory-sweet flavors. Make it tonight and enjoy!