Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts – Simple, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor!

If you’re searching for an easy dinner that’s full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, look no further than these Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts. This quick skillet recipe transforms plain chicken into a sweet and savory masterpiece using a few simple ingredients. The golden, pan-seared chicken is coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s rich, glossy, and downright addictive.

This recipe has quickly become a weeknight favorite in my house. It’s fast, family-friendly, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or prep. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can deliver so much taste. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

 Flat lay of ingredients for honey garlic chicken including chicken, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and vinegar

Chicken:

  • 500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pieces)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for light coating)

Sauce & Cooking:

  • 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter (or substitute 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
  • 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup as an alternative)

Tip: Use fresh garlic for the boldest flavor, and always taste your sauce before serving!

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin steaks.
  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off excess.

For step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat (reserve about 1 tsp for later).
  2. Add chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes on one side until golden.
  3. Flip and cook the other side for about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-high.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Honey garlic sauce bubbling in the skillet with visible garlic pieces
  1. Push chicken to one side and add minced garlic and remaining butter.
  2. Once the butter melts, stir garlic briefly until fragrant.
  3. Add vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or shake the pan to combine.
  4. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute until it starts to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  1. Turn chicken in the sauce to coat well.
  2. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water.
  3. Remove skillet from heat and serve chicken with extra sauce spooned over top.

Serving suggestion: Pair with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

FAQs About Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

How do you make honey garlic sauce from scratch?

Just combine butter, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. Simmer until thickened.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Try our spicy honey garlic chicken thighs for a bolder twist.

What makes chicken breasts tender and juicy?

Slicing them thinner for quick, even cooking and not overcooking them!

Can I bake this recipe?

Yes. Sear the chicken first, pour sauce over, then bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Can I meal prep Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts?

Definitely. This reheats beautifully for lunches and stays juicy.

More Honey Garlic Chicken Recipes to Try

Save It, Make It, Share It!

  • Follow us on Pinterest for more family-friendly chicken recipes.
  • Tag your dish @RitzyRecipes so we can see your beautiful honey garlic creations!
  • Leave a comment below: What would you pair with this sauce?
 Plated honey garlic chicken breasts garnished with parsley and sauce

Final Thoughts

These Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky. It’s one of those chicken recipes that makes everyone at the table pause after the first bite. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving something simple but special, this dish delivers.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every sticky, saucy bite!

Print
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Honey garlic chicken breasts served with rice and broccoli on a white plate

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts – Simple, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor!


  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

If you’re searching for an easy dinner that’s full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes, look no further than these Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts. This quick skillet recipe transforms plain chicken into a sweet and savory masterpiece using a few simple ingredients. The golden, pan-seared chicken is coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s rich, glossy, and downright addictive. This recipe has quickly become a weeknight favorite in my house. It’s fast, family-friendly, and doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or prep. You’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can deliver so much taste. Let’s get cooking!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken:
  • 500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pieces)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for light coating)
  • Sauce & Cooking:
  • 3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter (or substitute 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
  • 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup as an alternative)

Instructions

  1. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin steaks. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat (reserve about 1 tsp for later). Add chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes on one side until golden. Flip and cook the other side for about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-high.
  3. Push chicken to one side and add minced garlic and remaining butter. Once the butter melts, stir garlic briefly until fragrant. Add vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or shake the pan to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute until it starts to thicken slightly.
  4. Turn chicken in the sauce to coat well. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water. Remove skillet from heat and serve chicken with extra sauce spooned over top.

Notes

Tip: Use fresh garlic for the boldest flavor, and always taste your sauce before serving! Serving suggestion: Pair with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: honey garlic chicken, chicken breasts, quick dinner, skillet chicken, sweet and savory chicken

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