The sweet and savory aroma of Honey Garlic Chicken Breast wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water! What if I told you that this delightful dish could be yours in just 15 minutes? Yes, you heard me right! This recipe for 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped in flavor and convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs beautifully with brown rice and is topped with the fresh crunch of green onions and a squeeze of lime, making it a delightful way to gather your loved ones around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Goodness: The blend of honey, garlic, and a hint of soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze.
- Versatile: Great served over rice or paired with your favorite sides.
- Healthier Choice: Great alternative to takeout with lower sodium and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
– Extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil for a neutral flavor)
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes for quick cooking
– Salt and black pepper to enhance flavor
– Honey for that delicious sweet touch
– Low-sodium soy sauce to keep it delicious but lighter on sodium
– Fresh garlic, minced to bring in that aromatic base
– Red pepper flakes (optional, for those who like a little heat)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the pintable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Making Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is as easy as pie! Let’s dive into it:
- Begin by heating your extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Feel that warmth radiate as you prepare your canvas!
- While your oil is warming, season your cubed chicken with salt and black pepper. Just a light sprinkle will do; remember, the soy sauce has plenty of sodium already.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and let it brown deliciously on one side for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this; it’s all about developing that beautiful color!
- Meanwhile, in a separate small bowl, whisk together your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. The magic is happening; you can almost taste it!
- Once the chicken has that lovely brown color, pour the glaze over it and toss to coat every piece of chicken. Cook until everything’s perfectly cooked through—about 4 to 5 more minutes. Be vigilant; remember, those small cubes cook quickly!
- When finished, your kitchen should smell absolutely divine! Serve immediately with some fluffy brown rice and sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if you desire.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– To avoid dryness, use a meat thermometer! Chicken is perfectly cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.
– If your sauce looks a little lumpy, don’t fret! It’s all part of the magic as the honey melts together with the soy sauce and garlic. Yum!
– Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and color.
How to Serve
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast shines brightest when served over a bed of steamed brown rice or quinoa. Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions, a dash of sesame seeds, and maybe some chopped peanuts to elevate those textures! If you want to add a tangy kick, serve it with lime wedges for squeezing. This dish can also be paired with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you find yourself with leftovers (though, let’s be real—this dish is hard to resist), simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or pop it in the microwave for quick convenience. If you’d like to freeze it, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Whether you’re whipping this up for a cozy family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this 15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken is sure to become a staple recipe in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
15-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (or canola oil)
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat)
- For serving (optional): Brown rice, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add to skillet and brown one side for 3-4 minutes.
- While chicken cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Add sauce to the pan, toss to coat, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 4-5 more minutes.
- Serve with rice and top with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime juice if desired.