Looking for a quick chicken dinner that’s packed with flavor and doesn’t require fancy ingredients? These honey garlic chicken breasts are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky chicken glaze that’s equal parts sweet and savory. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
With just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or noodles.
This recipe is a great alternative to more indulgent dinners like garlic butter baked chicken or creamy asiago chicken dinner, offering bold flavor without the heaviness of cream or cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
There are a dozen reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
- Uses only 5 main ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Pairs with a wide range of sides
- Kid-friendly and great for picky eaters
- Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.
Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs
Although this recipe is written for chicken breasts, you can easily substitute with thighs. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Chicken Breasts: Leaner, slightly drier if overcooked, mild flavor.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicier, more flavorful, slightly longer cooking time.
Pro Tip: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner fillets. This ensures even cooking and helps the sauce cling better.
Ingredient Neede For Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Here are the core ingredients you’ll need for the best honey garlic chicken:
- Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Garlic (fresh cloves or minced garlic for depth)
- Honey (raw or processed – both work!)
- Soy Sauce (light or all-purpose)
- Vinegar (apple cider, rice wine, or white vinegar)
Optional for enhanced flavor:
- Butter or olive oil (for searing)
- Flour (for a light crust)
- Water or chicken broth (to thin sauce, if needed)
- Salt & black pepper (for seasoning)
Tools You’ll Need
Simple kitchen tools will do the trick here:
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or pan
- Knife (for halving chicken breasts)
- Tongs or spatula
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
How To make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Follow these easy steps to cook perfect honey garlic chicken breasts every time:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts in half to create thin cutlets.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder.
- Lightly dust each piece with flour to help the glaze stick.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil or butter.
- Sear chicken on each side for 3–4 minutes until golden and almost cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce
- Push chicken aside, then add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté briefly.
- Add in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Stir and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer until it thickens (3–5 minutes).
4. Coat and Finish
- Flip chicken in the pan to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
- Simmer another 2 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and sauce is sticky.
Serve immediately over rice, steamed veggies, or noodles, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Want perfectly moist chicken every time? See our tips on how to keep chicken breasts juicy.
Flavor Variations to Try
Want to change things up? These flavor twists will keep your menu fresh:
- Spicy Honey Garlic: Add sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Ginger Twist: Add 1 tsp fresh grated ginger for a subtle kick.
- Lemon-Honey Garlic: Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Baked Version: Sear the chicken, then transfer to a 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Make the most of that sticky chicken glaze by pairing the chicken with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Garlic sautéed green beans
- Stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- Simple side salad or coleslaw
For a cozy twist, try serving with crockpot broccoli cheddar chicken on the side.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This recipe is great for leftovers!
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in meal prep containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave gently or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbs: ~23g (mostly from honey)
- Fat: ~13g
- Sugar: ~21g
- Sodium: ~400mg
Note: Values may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts and exact ingredients.
FAQs About Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear the chicken first for flavor, then add all sauce ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
How do I thicken the honey garlic sauce?
Simmer it longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) at the end.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free:
Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari)
Skip the flour or use cornstarch instead
Can I cook this from frozen?
It’s not recommended. Always thaw chicken fully before cooking for best results and food safety.
Related Keywords & LSI Phrases (Include Naturally Throughout Article)
- chicken breast recipe
- quick chicken dinner
- honey garlic sauce
- sticky chicken glaze
- pan-fried chicken
- sweet and savory chicken
- easy chicken marinade
- one-pan chicken dinner
- garlic honey chicken thighs
- Asian-inspired chicken
Final Thoughts
This honey garlic chicken breasts recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with everyday ingredients. It’s an ideal go-to when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Whether you usually lean toward creamy dishes like creamy asiago chicken or love sticky sauces like those found in sticky chicken bowls, this honey garlic version is a must-try.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts: A Sweet & Savory Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender honey garlic chicken breasts coated in a sweet, sticky garlic sauce and served over fluffy white rice. A quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
1/4 cup flour (for light crust)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water (optional for thinning sauce)
Chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then lightly coat in flour.
Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and almost cooked through.
Push chicken aside, add garlic to the pan, and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and optional water. Stir well.
Simmer sauce for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
Flip chicken to coat well in the sauce and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. Serve hot over rice or vegetables.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier version.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
Double the sauce if you want extra for rice or noodles.
Recipe works well in a nonstick or cast iron skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast with sauce
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken breasts, sticky chicken glaze, quick chicken dinner, garlic soy chicken