Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons flour

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is the perfect weeknight meal—quick, simple, and packed with flavor. The juicy chicken is seared until golden, then bathed in a sticky-sweet and savory sauce made from fresh garlic, soy sauce, and honey. It’s a deliciously balanced dish that brings a restaurant-quality dinner to the table with minimal effort.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together bold flavor with everyday pantry ingredients. The sauce has the ideal combination of sweetness from honey, saltiness from soy sauce, and depth from garlic. The chicken comes out tender, golden, and mouthwatering every time. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want a fast meal that feels special, this dish always hits the mark.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons local honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons flour

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
I start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets. After patting them dry with paper towels, I season both sides with salt and pepper. Then I lightly dust the chicken with flour to help it sear better.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection
I heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I place the chicken in and let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. When it’s beautifully golden, I flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked (165°F internally). I remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce
Reducing the heat, I add the remaining butter to the skillet. When it melts, I stir in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then I pour in the soy sauce, making sure to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Finish It Off
I whisk in the honey and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Then I return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over it and letting it simmer another 2-3 minutes so it soaks in all the flavor.

Step 5: Serve
I serve the chicken hot with a generous spoonful of that rich sauce over each piece. It’s perfect with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

I like to play with the flavor by adding a splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for extra tang. When I’m craving heat, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or swirl in a bit of sriracha. For a heartier variation, I sometimes swap the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs—they’re extra juicy and flavorful. A garnish of green onions or sesame seeds also makes a nice finishing touch.

storage/reheating

I let the leftovers cool before storing them in an airtight container. In the fridge, they keep for up to 3 days. If I want to freeze them, I pack both the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, I thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use boneless chicken thighs when I want a juicier cut. Just cook them a bit longer—about 6-7 minutes per side.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

I use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should be golden brown and the inside fully white with no pink.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Chicken?

I like to serve it with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. It also goes great over noodles or even in a salad.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make the sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to use it, I just warm it up before adding it to the chicken.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover Honey Garlic Chicken lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. I reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is one of those go-to recipes I keep coming back to. It’s simple, fast, and incredibly flavorful. The sweet and savory sauce transforms everyday chicken into something special, making it a hit every time. Whether I’m feeding the family or just want a fuss-free dinner, this dish never disappoints.