If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to pull together, this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to a perfect golden brown, then bathed in a luscious sauce that’s the perfect harmony of sweet honey, fragrant garlic, and tangy vinegar. It’s a delightful dance of flavors that feels both comforting and special — a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. Every component combines to build layers of taste and texture — from the lightly flour-dusted chicken that gets beautifully crisp to the rich, buttery garlic sauce that ties everything together with just a touch of sweetness.
- Chicken breast (500g / 1 lb): Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and easy slicing.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural chicken flavor.
- Flour (1/4 cup): Creates a light coating that crisps up wonderfully when cooked.
- Unsalted butter (3 1/2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully; olive oil is a good alternative.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): The star aromatic ingredient that infuses the sauce with irresistible fragrance.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 1/2 tbsp): Provides a subtle tang that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Brings depth and umami, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The signature sweet touch in this recipe that creates a glossy, sticky glaze.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting each chicken breast in half horizontally, giving you four thinner “steaks” that cook more evenly and rapidly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper; this simple step is key to building flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Coat with Flour
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, ensuring an even coating. This light flour layer is crucial because it helps the chicken get that perfect golden crust in the pan, while also thickening the sauce slightly once cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat until sizzling hot. Place the floured chicken in the pan and let it cook without moving until the bottom turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute to lock in juiciness.
Step 4: Cook the Garlic
Reduce the heat slightly and push the chicken to one side of the pan, creating a spot for the minced garlic and reserved butter. Stir the garlic briefly as the butter melts to release those intoxicating aromatics without burning.
Step 5: Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Give the pan a gentle shake or stir to combine the ingredients with the chicken. The mixture immediately starts transforming into a luscious glaze.
Step 6: Simmer and Coat the Chicken
Allow the sauce to simmer for about a minute until it thickens slightly. Turn the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly, making sure every bite gets that perfect balance of sweet and savory. If you find the sauce getting too thick, a small splash of water will loosen it up beautifully.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove your pan from heat to stop the sauce from burning, then plate the chicken and spoon the glossy honey garlic sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and mild earthiness that complements the sweet sauce perfectly. A few sesame seeds on top can offer a lovely nutty crunch as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice which soaks up all the delicious sauce, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad also make fabulous accompaniments, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the chicken slices fan-style on a platter, drizzled with sauce and garnished with herbs. Alternatively, serve the chicken over a bed of sautéed greens or noodles for a twist that will impress both weeknight diners and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover chicken breasts and sauce in an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe a great option for quick lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s silky texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. This slow reheating method keeps the chicken moist and prevents the sauce from burning or sticking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more fat and flavor and stay juicy, though they may need a little longer cooking time than breasts. Just adjust accordingly.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can opt for tamari or coconut aminos if you want a gluten-free version, and they will still provide that savory umami note.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or even rice vinegar can be used as a substitute; just keep the amount the same to maintain the right balance of tang.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for olive oil or your favorite plant-based oil and follow the recipe as usual.
How do I get the sauce thick and sticky?
Simmer the sauce just until it slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If it thickens too much, add a tiny bit of water to loosen it without losing the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is a shining example of how a few humble ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory is comfort food at its finest, yet sophisticated enough to feel special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — it’s the kind of recipe that everyone will be asking for again and again!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce. The chicken is lightly dredged in flour and pan-seared to golden perfection before being simmered briefly in a sweet and tangy sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Ready in just 12 minutes, this easy stovetop recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500g / 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup flour
Sauce and Cooking
- 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter, divided (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white or other clear vinegar)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce, light or all purpose
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin chicken steaks. Season both sides of each piece evenly with salt and pepper.
- Coat with Flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour to coat evenly, then gently shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the Skillet and Cook Chicken: Melt most of the butter (reserve about 1 teaspoon) in a large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for about 1 minute.
- Adjust Heat and Add Garlic: Reduce heat to medium-high. Push the chicken to one side of the pan to make space. Add the minced garlic and the reserved dab of butter to the free side. Stir the garlic briefly once the butter melts to release its aroma.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or gently shake the pan to combine the sauce ingredients and coat the chicken evenly. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer Sauce and Coat Chicken: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1 minute, or until it slightly thickens. Turn the chicken pieces in the sauce to coat thoroughly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water and stir to loosen.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent burning. Plate the chicken and spoon the remaining sauce over the top. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to dredge the chicken.
- Substitute olive oil for butter for a lighter fat option.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey to 1/4 cup.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before slicing if needed.
