There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast wafting through the kitchen, and let me tell you, this recipe is an absolute winner! This dish, with its perfectly seared chicken coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, is the epitome of a quick weeknight dinner that feels decadent yet is simple enough for anyone to whip up. The astonishing thing? You only need a handful of ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant! Trust me, once you've tasted the sweet and savory glories of this dish, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation of chicken breast recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly quick prep and cook time — dinner is ready in just 12 minutes!
- Rich, velvety honey garlic sauce that elevates the flavor of simple chicken breast.
- Adaptable for different proteins — from shrimp to tofu, everyone can enjoy it!
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests on the weekend.
Ingredients
To make this delightful dish, here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (they cook quickly and stay juicy).
- Salt and pepper (to bring out the natural flavors).
- Flour (to create that crispy crust).
- Unsalted butter (adds richness) or olive oil (for a lighter option).
- Fresh garlic cloves (minced for that aromatic depth).
- Apple cider vinegar (to give the sauce a tangy kick).
- Soy sauce (light or all-purpose, for a savory note).
- Honey (the star of the show, bringing sweetness to balance the dish).
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the pintable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Follow these simple steps:
First, cut your chicken breasts in half horizontally, giving you four lovely chicken steaks. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to ensure they’re well seasoned.
Pour flour into a shallow dish and coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This step is important for creating a lovely crust that the sauce will cling to.
In a large skillet, melt most of your butter over high heat—save about a teaspoon for later. Once that’s bubbling away, gently add the chicken to the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook the other side for just 1 minute.
Now it’s time to turn down the heat to medium-high. Push the chicken to one side of the pan and toss in the minced garlic along with the remaining butter. Stir just until the garlic is fragrant and melty.
Next, drizzle in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Give everything a good shake and let the magic happen! Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it bubble away for about a minute until it thickens just slightly.
Finally, turn the chicken in the sauce to coat it well, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. If the sauce gets a bit too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of water to loosen it up a bit.
Remove from heat and plate your beautiful chicken, drizzling that glorious sauce right on top.
Ahh, just look at that glaze!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for cornstarch. You won’t even notice the difference once it’s smothered in that delicious sauce!
Don’t rush the searing process. Allow the chicken to get a perfect golden-brown crust as it’ll enhance the overall flavor.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat. It balances out the sweetness beautifully!
When using a different protein, adjust the cooking times accordingly. You want the meat to be just cooked through when you add the sauce.
How to Serve
Now that your Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is ready, consider pairing it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that wonderful sauce. Steamed veggies or a light salad on the side can also make for a perfect meal that’s both appealing and satisfying. For a special touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or sesame seeds on top before serving!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you’re looking to meal prep, this dish is fantastic! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop while preparing the sauce fresh.
For leftovers, store any extra chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just sprinkle a bit of water over it, cover, and microwave until warmed through. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the sauce may separate; it’s best enjoyed fresh!
There you have it! My Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe will surely delight your taste buds and become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re whipping it out for a weeknight meal or impressing guests with your culinary skills, this versatile dish is bound to win hearts and smiles at the dinner table!
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast (2 pieces)
- salt
- pepper
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 ½ tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar (or other clear vinegar)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce light or all-purpose
- ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 steaks. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper.
- Coat chicken in flour and shake off excess.
- Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat, reserving 1 tsp for later.
- Add chicken to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium high, add garlic and remaining butter, and stir briefly.
- Add vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute or until slightly thickened.
- Turn chicken to coat in sauce. If sauce is too thick, add a bit of water.
- Remove from heat and drizzle remaining sauce over chicken on plates.