Sweet and Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a staple recipe for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something delicious that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken that’s perfectly golden, all wrapped up in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. This dish not only pleases the palate but showcases a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress at the dinner table or during family gatherings. As someone who has made this dish countless times, I can guarantee it’s a sure-fire hit that satisfies everyone—from kids to adults.
Why you’ll love this dish
Not only is Honey Garlic Chicken a treat to eat, but it’s also remarkably easy to whip up. It requires minimal ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and a time-saver for busy weeknights. This dish is especially perfect for families; its sweet and garlicky flavor appeals to kids while also satisfying adults’ taste buds. Just imagine the smell of garlic wafting through your kitchen as the chicken cooks—it’s a guaranteed way to draw everyone in!
"This was absolutely delicious! My kids couldn’t get enough, and I love how quick it was to make. It’s now a go-to in our household!" – Sarah K.
The cooking process explained
Preparing Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is straightforward, even for novice cooks. This dish typically involves a few simple steps: skillet-searing the chicken to golden perfection, creating the rich garlic sauce, and then bringing it all together for a delightful finish. You’ll enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience and a rewarding meal in roughly 30 minutes!
What you’ll need
Gather these essential ingredients to create a fantastic dish:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Feel free to customize some ingredients based on what you have at home! For example, low-sodium soy sauce can be used for a lighter option, and maple syrup can replace honey if you’re looking for a unique flavor twist.
Step-by-step instructions
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Begin by heating olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.
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Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into four thinner pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
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Season the chicken with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then coat the pieces evenly with flour.
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Cook the floured chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
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In the same pan, melt the remaining butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Stir in the honey, along with additional black pepper and salt. Allow this sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Return the chicken to the pan, letting it simmer in the sauce for about 1 minute until heated through.
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Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Best ways to enjoy it
To turn your Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts into a complete meal, consider serving it over fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a well-rounded plate. It also makes a stunning addition to any family feast. Try serving it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a delightful weekday dinner or a cozy brunch option!
Storage and reheating tips
If you have leftovers (though they may not last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just remember to label your containers so you can easily identify your meals later!
Helpful cooking tips
- Be sure to thinly slice the garlic; this helps release more flavor into your sauce.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating your chicken in the soy sauce and honey mixture for an hour or so before cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer—chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Creative twists
Get adventurous with your Honey Garlic Chicken by adding in some additional flavors! Consider mixing in a bit of sriracha for a spicy kick, or chop up some bell peppers and onions to add to the sauce for extra texture and taste. If you want to make it lighter, serve the dish over a bed of quinoa or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
Common questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is roughly 10-15 minutes, with an additional cooking time of about 15-20 minutes.
Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! This sauce pairs well with tofu or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts not only bring convenience and flavor to your table but also elevate your cooking game with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe will surely be a favorite!
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced Be sure to slice thinly for maximum flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for a different flavor.
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.
- Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into four thinner pieces.
- Season the chicken with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then coat evenly with flour.
Cooking
- Cook the floured chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat and add the sliced garlic. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Stir in the honey, additional black pepper, and salt, then allow the sauce to simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for about 1 minute until heated through.
- Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions.
