Aromatic garlic and sweet honey dance together in this dish, enveloping tender chicken breast in a comforting glaze. Honey Garlic Chicken Breast takes just 20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it the perfect quick meal for busy nights. The magic of this recipe lies in the contrast of flavors—the savory garlic and salty soy sauce balanced beautifully by the honey.
This recipe is ideal for families looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner. Whip it up on a weeknight, or impress guests at a casual gathering. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time for enhanced flavor, and leftovers store beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken breasts cook up quickly for a speedy meal.
- The sauce thickens beautifully, creating a luscious coating.
- Garlic adds a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with honey.
- It’s a one-pan dish, minimizing clean-up and hassle.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to get started.
For the Chicken
- 500g / 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (2 pieces)
- Salt and pepper
For the Coating
- 1/4 cup flour
For the 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 or other clear vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce, light or all purpose
- 1/3 cup honey, or maple syrup
Note 1: Flour creates a crisp coating.
Note 2: Soy sauce enhances umami flavor.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Olive oil for butter
- Maple syrup for honey
- Any vinegar for apple cider vinegar
How to Make It
Ready to enjoy a delicious meal? Follow these steps.
1. Prepare Chicken
Cut the breasts in half horizontally to create 4 steaks. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper for flavor.
2. Coat Chicken
Place flour in a shallow dish. Coat each piece of chicken in flour and shake off the excess.
3. Cook Chicken
Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat, saving about 1 tsp for later. Add the chicken and cook for 2 – 3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute.
4. Sauté Garlic
Reduce the heat slightly to medium-high. Create some space in the pan and add the minced garlic along with the reserved dab of butter. Stir briefly once the butter melts, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
5. Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or shake the pan to combine the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it simmer for 1 minute or until slightly thickened.
6. Coat Chicken in Sauce
Turn the chicken in the sauce to coat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a touch of water and stir to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Serve
Remove from heat immediately. Place the chicken on plates and drizzle with the remaining sauce.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, chicken may become dry when thawed.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure chicken is pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—pre-minced garlic won’t compare.
- Don’t skimp on simmering the sauce to achieve the right thickness.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition.
- Great for meal prep—perfect for lunchboxes throughout the week.
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