These juicy honey garlic chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection and coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze that brings sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness to every bite. Whether I’m making dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this quick and easy chicken recipe always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it uses simple pantry staples and turns plain chicken into something truly delicious. The honey garlic sauce thickens into a rich glaze that sticks beautifully to the chicken. It’s quick to make, easy to pair with rice or veggies, and works great for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Plus, it’s made in one pan, which means less cleanup for me.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Water
- Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar (optional, for balance)
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, I add oil and sear the chicken breasts for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. I remove them from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, I reduce the heat and add minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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I stir in the honey, soy sauce, water, and a splash of vinegar if using. I let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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For a thicker glaze, I mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, letting it cook until thickened.
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I return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it, letting it simmer for another minute so the flavors soak in.
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I garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that feels like it took much longer to make.
Variations
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I sometimes add chili flakes or sriracha for a sweet and spicy twist.
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Swapping soy sauce for tamari makes it gluten-free.
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I use chicken thighs when I want an even juicier version.
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For extra flavor, I marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
storage/reheating
I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or leftover sauce to keep it juicy. The microwave works too—just cover it and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes, I bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then brush it with the sauce and broil for a few minutes to caramelize.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, I just adjust the cooking time—bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through.
What should I serve with this dish?
I love it with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. It’s also great in a wrap or over a salad.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and that the juices run clear when sliced.
Conclusion
This honey garlic chicken breast recipe is a reliable go-to when I want something delicious, quick, and satisfying. The sweet-savory glaze, juicy meat, and simple ingredients make it a dish I come back to again and again. It’s versatile, impressive, and just plain good.
Print
Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts in a Sweet and Savory Glaze
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection and coated in a sweet and savory glaze made with garlic, honey, and soy sauce. Quick, flavorful, and made in one pan, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you need a go-to crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat and add garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, water, and vinegar (if using). Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer for another minute to coat.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier variation.
- Marinate chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or in wraps.
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