If you have ever stared at a pack of chicken breasts in your fridge wondering how to turn them into something exciting, this is your answer. Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and completely irresistible. They come together in one pan, use simple pantry ingredients, and taste like something you would order at your favorite Asian inspired restaurant.
This honey garlic chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday dinners, or even meal prep. It is quick, family friendly, and packed with protein. The sticky honey garlic sauce clings to every bite, keeping the chicken juicy and full of flavor.
In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about making the best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts at home. We will cover ingredients, step by step instructions, common mistakes, storage tips, variations, and smart serving ideas. By the end, you will have a reliable chicken breast dinner recipe you can make on repeat.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe Overview
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a skillet chicken recipe built around a glossy honey soy garlic glaze. The flavor balance is what makes this dish shine. You get sweetness from honey, savory depth from soy sauce, richness from butter, and bold aroma from fresh garlic. A splash of vinegar adds brightness that keeps everything from tasting too sweet.
This easy honey garlic chicken is:
Quick and ready in about 30 minutes
Made with boneless skinless chicken breasts
Cooked in one pan for easy cleanup
High in protein and satisfying
Perfect for meal prep
If you are searching for a quick chicken dinner idea that feels special but takes minimal effort, this is it. It is also a great example of a sweet and savory chicken dish that works with many side options.
Prep time is about 10 minutes.
Cook time is about 20 minutes.
Total time is around 30 minutes.
That makes this 30 minute chicken meal a reliable option when you need something fast but flavorful.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Ingredients
To make the best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts, you need simple ingredients that create big flavor when combined.
You will need:
Four boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper
One tablespoon olive oil
Three tablespoons unsalted butter
Five cloves fresh garlic, minced
One third cup honey
One quarter cup low sodium soy sauce
One tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
Half teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
One tablespoon cornstarch
Two tablespoons water
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
These ingredients create a homemade honey garlic sauce that tastes far better than anything from a bottle. The honey soy chicken combination gives you that classic sticky glaze without needing complicated marinades.
If you want a gluten free honey garlic chicken version, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Step by Step Instructions
Making Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is straightforward, but a few details make all the difference. Follow these steps for perfectly juicy chicken every time.
Step 1 Prepare the Chicken for Searing
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps create a golden crust when searing and allows the seasoning to stick better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay tender.
Step 2 Sear the Chicken Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about five to six minutes per side. Let them sit undisturbed so they develop a deep golden color and natural crust. Remove from the skillet when they are nearly cooked through since they will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3 Build the Garlic Butter Flavor Base
Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet so you keep all the flavorful bits from searing. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for thirty to sixty seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic because it can turn bitter quickly.
Step 4 Make the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce
Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth mixture. Let the sauce simmer for two to three minutes. This is when the flavors blend together and start forming a rich sticky honey garlic sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 5 Finish Cooking the Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the sauce generously over the top of each piece. Let it cook for another five to seven minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This keeps your juicy chicken breast skillet recipe safe and perfectly tender.
Step 6 Thicken the Sauce for a Glaze
If you prefer a thicker honey glazed chicken finish, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened. The glaze will become glossy and cling beautifully to the chicken.
Step 7 Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let the Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices locked inside. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete sweet and savory chicken dinner.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Tips for Perfect Results
To make the best pan seared chicken breast recipe with honey garlic glaze, keep these tips in mind.
Do not overcrowd the pan. Crowding lowers the temperature and prevents browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
Use a thermometer. Overcooked chicken is dry chicken. Remove it from heat at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Watch the garlic closely. Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Cook just until fragrant.
Let the sauce simmer. A properly reduced sticky chicken glaze has more concentrated flavor.
Rest before slicing. This keeps the juices inside and gives you a moist and tender result.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Variations and Swaps
One of the best things about Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is how adaptable they are.
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a bit of zest for a brighter flavor.
For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of chili paste.
For a healthy chicken breast recipe version, reduce the butter slightly and use a nonstick skillet.
You can even turn this into grilled honey garlic chicken. Grill the chicken separately and brush it with the honey soy garlic glaze during the final minutes of cooking.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Serving Ideas
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts pair beautifully with many sides, making them a versatile chicken breast dinner recipe.
Serve over fluffy white rice for a classic Corn Chicken Bowl Recipe combination.
Try brown rice or quinoa for a more nutrient dense base.
Add Chinese Beef and Broccoli for a balanced plate.
Toss sliced chicken into noodles for a quick honey soy chicken bowl.
For meal prep chicken, portion sliced chicken with rice and vegetables into containers for the week.
The sticky honey garlic sauce coats everything, so even simple sides taste amazing.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Storage and Meal Prep
This easy honey garlic chicken is excellent for leftovers.
Store cooled Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To freeze, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer safe container for up to two months.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid high heat so the chicken does not dry out.
Because this is a high protein dinner recipe with about 30 grams of protein per serving, it works well for weekly meal planning.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Nutrition Information
Per serving, Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts provide approximately:
320 calories
30 grams protein
18 grams carbohydrates
14 grams fat
590 milligrams sodium
This makes it a balanced option for a healthy chicken breast recipe that still feels comforting and satisfying.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Frequently Asked Questions
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but pre minced garlic works in a pinch. Use about one teaspoon per clove.
The honey adds sweetness, but the soy sauce and vinegar balance it. You can adjust the honey to suit your taste.
Yes. Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts reheat very well, making them perfect for meal prep.
Replace butter with additional olive oil for a dairy free version.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts: Juicy, Sticky, and Ready in 30 Minutes
Description
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Pound to even thickness if needed.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Add chicken and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cook 5 to 7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry and stir into sauce if a thicker glaze is desired.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. Watch garlic closely to prevent burning. For dairy free, replace butter with additional olive oil. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a true weeknight hero. They are quick, packed with flavor, and made from ingredients you probably already have. The sweet and savory chicken glaze, combined with tender meat and a glossy finish, makes this one pan chicken recipe stand out from basic dinners.
Whether you call it honey soy chicken, honey glazed chicken, or garlic butter chicken, the result is the same. A juicy chicken breast skillet meal that is simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious.
If you need a 30 minute chicken meal that delivers every single time, Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts deserve a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page at virlerecipes. Happy cooking!