why make this recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is a great dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of honey and garlic creates a delicious sauce that elevates simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal. Plus, this recipe uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up any night!
how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp cold water
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Directions
Prepare & Season Chicken: Butterfly or pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Make Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth, honey, soy sauce (or tamari), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and the optional grated ginger and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms. Set aside.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Sear undisturbed for 4-6 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Thicken Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the whisked honey garlic sauce base into the hot pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes wonderfully glossy.
Combine & Serve: Carefully place the cooked chicken breasts back into the thickened honey garlic sauce, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Storage & Reheating: Store any leftovers (chicken and sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just heated through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce is too thick.
how to serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite roasted vegetables. The sticky sauce pairs well with a side salad or stir-fried greens. This dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week!
how to store Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to eat them within 3-4 days for the best taste and freshness. You can reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving again.
tips to make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the honey and soy sauce to your taste preference. Use more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
- If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes directly to the sauce or sprinkle on top before serving.
variation
You can easily make a honey garlic tofu version by replacing chicken with firm tofu. Just cook the tofu until golden brown and follow the same steps to prepare the sauce. This offers a delicious plant-based alternative!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and will be juicy and flavorful! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just give it a good whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Method
- Butterfly or pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth, honey, soy sauce (or tamari), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and the optional grated ginger and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth, lump-free slurry forms. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Sear undisturbed for 4-6 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the whisked honey garlic sauce base into the hot pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in a thin stream, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes wonderfully glossy.
- Carefully place the cooked chicken breasts back into the thickened honey garlic sauce, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes.
- If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.