If you’re looking for a recipe that delivers major flavor with minimal fuss, this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine perfectly tender chicken, seared until golden, then bathed in a silky, sweet-savory sauce made from honey, garlic, and a splash of tangy vinegar. Every forkful is sticky, garlicky, and bursting with comfort. This dish checks all the boxes: easy preparation, a handful of pantry staples, and a universally irresistible taste. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you at the table) with this fabulous Honey Garlic Chicken Breast!

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple, yet essential, these ingredients are to building such knockout flavor. Every single item has a job—whether it’s to add richness, a touch of tang, a golden-crisp finish, or the signature sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless chicken breast is the star—slice them into steaks for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
Salt and Pepper: Just a sprinkle is all you need to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Flour: A light coating helps the chicken develop that beautiful golden crust, plus it thickens the sauce later.
Unsalted Butter: Rich and creamy, butter makes the sauce silky and gives the chicken gorgeous color (sub with olive oil for a lighter option).
Garlic: Two minced cloves release a big hit of aromatic flavor—the absolute heart of this dish.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness (you can also use any clear vinegar in a pinch).
Soy Sauce: Just a little brings depth and umami, rounding out the flavors for that restaurant-quality finish.
Honey: The hero ingredient! Honey makes the sauce sticky, shiny, and delicious—maple syrup works too if you prefer.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by laying your chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Slice them in half horizontally, creating four thin steaks. This not only helps them cook more quickly but ensures they stay juicy and tender. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over both sides—don’t be shy here, seasoning makes a huge difference!

Step 2: Dredge in Flour

Pour the flour into a shallow dish. Press each chicken steak into the flour, coating both sides thoroughly. Gently shake off any excess. This simple step creates that crave-worthy crust and helps the dreamy honey garlic sauce cling to every bite.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Melt most of the butter (hold back about a teaspoon for the sauce) in a large skillet over high heat. Once bubbling, add the chicken. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside is golden, then flip and cook for just 1 minute more. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through just yet—the magic happens in the next step!

Step 4: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-high and nudge the chicken to the side of the skillet. Pop in the remaining dab of butter, then stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for a quick 30 seconds to bloom that fabulous aroma, making sure not to let it brown.

Step 5: Add Liquid Gold

Pour in the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey directly into the pan. Give everything a good stir or shake—the sauce will start to bubble and thicken, transforming before your eyes into a glossy glaze. Let it simmer for about a minute, then flip the chicken to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce thickens just a little too much, splash in a bit of water until you hit that perfect consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Take the skillet off the heat right away to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce luscious. Plate up your chicken and pour all that incredible honey garlic sauce right over the top. Trust me, you want every last drop. Your Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is ready to wow!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a scattering of sesame seeds takes this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast to the next level. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also introduces a bit of freshness and crunch. Even a twist of cracked black pepper or a few chili flakes can provide an extra little surprise.

Side Dishes

This chicken is just begging to be served over something that can soak up all the wonderful sauce. Fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or noodles work beautifully. For a lighter plate, pair with steamed broccoli, crisp green beans, or a simple side salad—each one lets that honey garlic sauce shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, slice the chicken breast and fan it out over a mound of rice, drizzling the sauce artfully. Or, stuff the chicken into toasted sandwich buns with crunchy slaw for a Honey Garlic Chicken Breast sandwich with serious wow-factor. This recipe is also excellent sliced cold in wraps or salad bowls—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though that’s a big ‘if’), store your Honey Garlic Chicken Breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or meal prep.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish! Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then pack them into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also use the microwave—cover the dish loosely to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally juicier and will give a slightly richer result, just adjust cooking times as needed since thighs may take a bit longer.

What can I use instead of honey?

If you don’t have honey or prefer an alternative, maple syrup is a fantastic substitute that keeps the dish naturally sweet and sticky. Agave syrup could work as well, though the flavor will be milder.

Is there a gluten-free option for flour?

Yes, you can swap the regular flour with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or even a bit of cornstarch. Either option will still give you a lovely crust and help thicken the sauce.

Can I double the sauce?

Of course! Many people love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or veggies. Just double all the sauce ingredients and simmer a touch longer if needed to get that perfect consistency.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The key is to slice the breasts evenly and avoid overcooking. Searing them quickly on high heat locks in the juices, and finishing them in the sauce ensures they’re tender and moist every time.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast enough—it’s that magical mix of easy, speedy, and utterly flavorful. Even on your busiest weeknight, you can dish up a restaurant-worthy meal in less than 30 minutes. Give it a try and watch it disappear from your plates. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 22 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is a sweet and savory dish that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, creating a delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

500g / 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (2 pieces)
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup flour

Sauce:

3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white or other clear vinegar)
1 tbsp soy sauce, light or all purpose
1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)

Instructions

Cut the chicken: Cut the breasts in half horizontally to create 4 steaks. Season with salt and pepper.
Coat in flour: Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
Cook chicken: Melt butter in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden on both sides.
Make sauce: Add garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and honey to the skillet. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Finish and serve: Coat chicken in sauce and serve hot, drizzled with remaining sauce.

Notes

You can use maple syrup as a substitute for honey for a slightly different flavor.
Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your preference by adding more or less honey.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian