Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
Introduction
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce, this recipe is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves 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, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Step 7: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve with cooked rice or steamed vegetables if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender option.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce just before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?
You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey to maintain the sweetness.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken seared to golden perfection and coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce. With a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, honey, and a hint of vinegar, this dish delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s perfect served over rice or with steamed vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves 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
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or steamed vegetables (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar), and red pepper flakes if using. Stir and let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for another 5–7 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken if desired and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving. Serve with cooked rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a thicker sauce, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry accordingly.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Breasts, Easy Chicken Recipe, Stovetop Chicken, Honey Garlic Sauce
