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If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to prepare, this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful combination of juicy, tender chicken breasts kissed with a luscious honey garlic sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 15 minutes in the kitchen, this dish promises to become a beloved staple, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that come together beautifully on the plate. From the golden crust created by a light flour coating to the silky smooth honey-garlic glaze, every element counts and is easy to find in your pantry.
- Chicken breast (500g / 1 lb, boneless and skinless): The star of the dish, juicy and tender when cooked just right.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Flour (1/4 cup): Provides a light crust and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
- Unsalted butter (3 1/2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps create the golden sear on the chicken; you can substitute olive oil if preferred.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the sauce with its signature aromatic punch.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 1/2 tbsp): Brings a bright tang that balances the sweetness of the honey; white vinegar works well too.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp, light or all-purpose): Adds a savory depth and a subtle umami twist.
- Honey (1/3 cup): The heart of the glaze, providing that gorgeous golden sweetness that makes this recipe irresistible.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating four thin steaks. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the sauce better. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful. This preparation step is key to juicy, well-seasoned chicken that’s anything but bland.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Flour
Place the flour in a shallow dish for easy access. Lightly coat each chicken steak in flour and shake off the excess. The flour not only adds a subtle crispness to the chicken but also helps the sauce cling beautifully to each piece during cooking.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Melt most of the butter (reserving about a teaspoon for later) in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken steaks and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute. This quick searing locks in moisture and builds the foundation for a delicious sauce.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Butter
Turn the heat slightly down to medium-high. Move the chicken to create a bit of clear space in the pan, then add the minced garlic and the reserved dab of butter. Stir the garlic as the butter melts to release that irresistible, aromatic fragrance without burning the garlic.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey all at once. Stir and gently swirl the pan to combine the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then let it cook for about a minute until it thickens just a bit. This quick simmer enhances the sauce’s richness and ensures it balances perfectly between sweet and tangy.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken with Sauce and Serve
Turn the chicken pieces in the sauce to coat them evenly in that beautiful glaze. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of water will loosen it up. When the chicken is fully coated, remove the pan from the heat and plate each piece. Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the chicken—that’s where all the extra flavor lives!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe to restaurant-quality presentation. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions on top for a burst of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds an appealing texture and subtle nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Fluffy steamed rice or buttery mashed potatoes are classic choices that soak up the honey garlic sauce wonderfully. For something lighter, roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or green beans provide a crisp contrast without overpowering the flavors of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or add a fun twist? Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of sautéed noodles tossed with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil. Alternatively, layer it atop a fresh salad featuring crisp greens, avocado, and cherry tomatoes dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the chicken. It’s versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to soak further into the chicken overnight, so flavors actually deepen by the next day. Just keep the chicken chilled to ensure freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken on the stovetop over low to medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. This method keeps the chicken moist and the sauce glossy. Microwaving is quicker but can dry out the meat, so cover well and reheat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken. Also, double-check your soy sauce for gluten content or use tamari for a gluten-free substitute.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the honey garlic sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator, but it’s best to cook the chicken fresh so it stays tender. Reheat the sauce gently before combining with the chicken.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No worries. White vinegar or any clear vinegar can stand in for apple cider vinegar. The acidity is what brightens the sauce, so keep that element but feel free to use what you have on hand.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, reduce the honey slightly or add a bit more soy sauce or vinegar to balance the flavors. You can also add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick that contrasts with the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone looking to whip up something fast, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. With its irresistible balance of sweet honey and savory garlic, it hits all the right notes to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a comforting, show-stopping dish that everyone will ask for again and again!
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Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a savory honey garlic sauce. The chicken is lightly flour-coated and pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a delicious blend of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Ideal for a simple weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
- 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin chicken steaks in total. Season both sides of each steak with salt and pepper, ensuring even distribution for optimal flavor.
- Coat with flour: Place the flour in a shallow dish and fully coat each chicken steak by pressing into the flour, then shaking off any excess to avoid clumping during cooking.
- Melt butter in skillet: Heat a large skillet over high heat and melt most of the butter, reserving about 1 teaspoon for later use. The butter adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
- Sear the chicken: Add the floured chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Then flip and cook the other side for 1 minute, allowing the chicken to partially cook through while developing flavor.
- Adjust heat: Reduce the heat slightly to medium-high. This prevents burning and allows the sauce ingredients to blend properly.
- Add garlic and remaining butter: Create a small space in the skillet and add the minced garlic along with the reserved teaspoon of butter. Stir briefly as the butter melts to infuse the garlic flavor into the dish.
- Add liquid ingredients: Pour in apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or gently shake the pan to evenly combine these ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Simmer the chicken in sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 1 minute until it begins to thicken. Turn the chicken so that each piece is coated thoroughly in the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water and stir to loosen it.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat immediately to avoid overcooking. Plate the chicken pieces and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your honey garlic chicken breasts.
Notes
- You can substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- If desired, serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on chicken thickness; ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
