Craving a dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and totally mouthwatering? You’re going to love this Honey Garlic Chicken Breast.
With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish delivers big flavor in under 30 minutes—no fancy ingredients required.
With simple pantry staples like garlic, soy sauce, and honey, you can transform plain chicken into a golden, sticky, irresistible meal.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and foolproof.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- Sweet, salty, and garlicky in every bite
- Made with common pantry ingredients
- Kid-approved and great for picky eaters
- Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping
- Can be served with rice, vegetables, or in wraps
Ingredients Needed (Simple Pantry Staples)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – pounded to even thickness for even cooking
- Honey – adds sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze
- Fresh garlic – finely minced for bold flavor (or garlic powder as a substitute)
- Soy sauce – adds saltiness and umami
- Olive oil or butter – for searing the chicken
- Optional ingredients: red pepper flakes (for spice), fresh ginger, cornstarch (for thickening)
Ingredient Tips:
- Use high-quality chicken for best flavor and texture
- Substitute low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos if reducing sodium
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for a tangy twist
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breast (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and any optional ingredients like ginger or chili flakes.
4. Simmer and Glaze
Add the sauce to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Optional: Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and add it to the sauce for a thicker glaze.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve the chicken over rice or with your favorite side dish. Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
This honey garlic chicken breast pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes:
- White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots
- Garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa
- Stuff into wraps, pitas, or meal-prep containers
- Serve with a crisp salad and a light vinaigrette
If you’re hosting, consider pairing with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly sparkling beverage.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Make it your own with these easy twists:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
- Protein Swap: Try boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu
- Flavor Add-Ins: Add fresh ginger, sesame oil, or lemon juice for a new flavor profile
- Oven or Baked Version: Bake chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then brush with sauce and broil for 2–3 minutes
Storage, Reheating, and Freezer Tips
This recipe stores and reheats beautifully:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken (cooled) in a sealed container for up to 2 months
- Meal Prep Tip: Portion with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cook time slightly as they may take a bit longer.
Can I bake this recipe instead?
Absolutely. Bake chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes after brushing with the sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast (25-Minutes)
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium recommended
- 4 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
- 2 tsp water if using cornstarch
Optional:
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for consistent cooking. Pat dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
- Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and optional ingredients (ginger or red pepper flakes).
Step 4: Simmer and Glaze
- Pour sauce into the same skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Optional: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce to thicken it slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until nicely glazed.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice chicken if desired and serve hot over rice, vegetables, or your favorite sides. Spoon extra sauce on top for maximum flavor.