Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

This recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts makes regular chicken taste amazing. Flour is sprinkled on chicken breasts that have been pan-fried till golden brown. Then they are finished in a sauce prepared with honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The sauce gets thicker and makes a shiny coating that tastes sweet and salty at the same time. It takes only 30 minutes to make and goes nicely with rice or vegetables. It’s great for busy weeknights. This recipe is a family favorite because the chicken is soft and the garlic sauce is sticky and sweet. It’s also quick to make and looks great when you serve it.

Roasted chicken breasts with a delicious honey-garlic sauce make an appealing evening dish that turns basic ingredients into something really exceptional. As the honey, garlic, and soy sauce mix together, they make a shiny coating that wraps around each piece of chicken and is the right mix of sweet and salty.

I made this for a family gathering last week, and even my finicky nephew requested for more. Letting the sauce decrease until it has that wonderful sticky texture that sticks to every bite is the key.

For consistent cooking, look for chicken breasts that are all about the same thickness. To get better browning, dry them off before adding spice.
When buying fresh garlic, look for heads that are hefty and firm, with tight cloves. Cutting up fresh food releases more flavor than food that is already packaged.
Local honey: Raw honey gives a deep sweetness and helps make that glazing that you can’t resist.
For a stronger umami flavor, choose naturally brewed soy sauce.
Butter: European-style butter has less water in it, which makes the sauce taste better.
Extra virgin olive oil offers a hint of fruitiness that goes well with the honey.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts
Flour
Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
Butter
Minced garlic
Soy sauce
Honey

Step 1: Getting the Chicken Ready

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into even cutlets across the width. Use paper towels to dry them off entirely. Add a lot of salt and pepper to both sides. A light coating of flour helps make the crust golden.

Step 2: Making the Perfect Sear

Over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet until they start to shimmer. Put the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them simmer for 4–5 minutes without being disturbed, until they are a deep golden color. Flip it over and cook it for another 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

Put the chicken on a platter. Turn down the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic and stir continually so they don’t burn. Pour in soy sauce to deglaze once the food smells good, then scrape out the tasty brown bits.

Step 4: Putting the Finishing Touches on the Dish

Add honey and mix well. Put the chicken back in the pan and pour sauce over each piece. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and the chicken is done.

My grandma used to cook a similar meal with honey from the mountains where she lived. That unique flowery sweetness mixed with garlic became my favorite comfort dish. To get that unique taste back, I now buy honey from tiny local beekeepers.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken

Jasmine rice to soak up all the sauce
Broccoli or green beans that have been steamed
Asian-style coleslaw for a fresh crunch

Storage and Reheating

Put leftovers in a container that won’t let air in:

You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
You can freeze it for up to two months.
Gently reheat with a little water

After years of improving this recipe, I’ve learned that using good honey and taking the time to properly reduce the sauce makes a big difference. It’s a favorite meal on our weekly menu since it’s so much fun to see how happy it makes our family members when they eat it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Yes, chicken thighs are delicious and stay even juicier. Just change the cooking time to 6–7 minutes on each side.
How can I tell when the chicken is done?: Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the inside temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown.
What goes well with honey garlic chicken?: This recipe goes well with rice, steamed veggies, noodles, or a simple green salad.
Can I create the sauce ahead of time?: Yes, you can make the sauce up to two days ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. Before adding the chicken, heat it up again.
How long can you keep honey garlic chicken that you didn’t eat?: You may keep it in the fridge for up to three days if you put it in a container that doesn’t let air in. Gently reheat to keep it from drying out.