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Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Featured in: Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solutions for Busy Weeknights

This Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe takes plain chicken and elevates it with minimal effort. Lightly coated in flour and pan-fried to golden perfection, the chicken is then glazed with a sticky honey and garlic sauce, balanced with soy for a rich umami punch. The sauce thickens as it cooks, clinging beautifully to each piece. Done in half an hour, it's a quick, crave-worthy dinner that pairs great with rice, veggies, or noodles. It's simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
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Updated on Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:14:34 GMT
Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Pin it
Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts | yummygusto.com

This honey garlic chicken breast recipe delivers tender, juicy meat enrobed in a rich, glossy sauce. The natural sweetness of honey combines with savory garlic and umami-rich soy sauce to create a perfectly balanced glaze that transforms simple chicken into an elegant weeknight dinner.

Key Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces, dried thoroughly before cooking
  • Fresh garlic cloves: Mince just before cooking for maximum flavor
  • Quality honey: Pure, unfiltered honey provides the best caramelization
  • Traditional soy sauce: Naturally brewed varieties offer deeper flavor
  • Unsalted butter: Creates richness in the sauce
  • Extra virgin olive oil: For initial searing

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice breasts horizontally into even cutlets. Pat dry thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper, then dust lightly with flour.
Step 2: Searing Process
Heat oil and butter until shimmering. Sear chicken undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden. Turn once, cook 3-4 minutes more.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Set chicken aside. Reduce heat, add butter and minced garlic. Once fragrant, add soy sauce, scraping pan bottom.
Step 4: Final Glazing
Incorporate honey, return chicken to pan. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is done.
Flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Pin it
Flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts | yummygusto.com

Serving Suggestions

Complement this dish with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Crisp-tender seasonal vegetables
  • Fresh Asian slaw

Storage Instructions

  • Keep in sealed container:
    • Refrigerated: 3 days maximum
    • Frozen: up to 2 months
    • Warm gently with added moisture
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Close-up Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | yummygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely, chicken thighs are extra juicy in this recipe! Just cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
→ How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden and the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C), which takes around 4-5 minutes per side.
→ What sides go well with this chicken dish?
It’s great with steamed veggies, rice, noodles, or even a fresh green salad for balance.
→ Can I prep the honey garlic sauce ahead?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to two days in advance. Keep it in the fridge and reheat before using.
→ How long will leftovers stay fresh?
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll keep for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

This honey garlic chicken recipe combines tender, golden chicken with a sweet and savory sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Weeknight Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion of Asian and American flavors

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons butter, split in half
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless

→ Sauce

05 1/3 cup honey
06 1 tablespoon rice vinegar with seasoning
07 6 cloves of garlic, sliced thin
08 1/4 cup soy sauce

→ Seasonings & Garnish

09 Thinly sliced green onions
10 Pinch of kosher salt for taste
11 Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Put a big frying pan on medium-high heat. Warm up the olive oil and half the butter until it’s ready.

Step 02

Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise to make four thinner pieces. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper, then dust evenly with flour.

Step 03

Place the coated chicken in the hot pan. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until crispy and golden. Then, take it out and set it aside.

Step 04

Turn the heat to medium-low and melt the rest of the butter. Toss in the garlic slices and let them cook for about 30-60 seconds until you can smell the garlic aroma.

Step 05

Deglaze the pan by adding the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Scrape up those browned pan bits. Mix in the honey, then season with pepper and a bit more salt. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens.

Step 06

Return the chicken to the pan and let it soak in the sauce for about a minute. Serve it up with the green onion garnish.

Notes

  1. This dish packs a punch with its mix of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tangy soy sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large frying pan
  • Standard kitchen measuring cups and spoons
  • A sharp knife for slicing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (from soy sauce).
  • Contains wheat (in flour).