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

Scale

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