Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Introduction

Discover the magic of honey garlic chicken breasts – a mouthwatering dish that combines the natural sweetness of honey with the aromatic punch of fresh garlic. This easy honey garlic chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this homemade honey garlic chicken features tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this classic honey garlic chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress. The best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknight dinners
• Uses simple pantry ingredients you already have on hand
• Kid-friendly flavor profile that adults will love too
• Versatile main dish that pairs with countless side options
• Great for meal prep – maintains excellent flavor when reheated
• Healthy protein option with the perfect balance of sweet and savory
• No marinating required – amazing flavor without the wait
• One-pan recipe for minimal cleanup
• Perfectly tender chicken every time with this foolproof method
• Restaurant-quality results at a fraction of the cost

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (use tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too)
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (optional, for heat)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

• Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for even juicier results
• For a gluten-free honey garlic chicken, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos
• If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder in the sauce (though fresh is always best for the best honey garlic chicken)
• For a spicier version, increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes to your spicy honey garlic chicken breasts
• Brown sugar can substitute for some of the honey if needed, but will alter the classic honey garlic flavor

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How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. If the chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally to create even thickness (about 3/4 inch thick) for even cooking.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
3. Flip the chicken, add the butter to the pan, and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic.
2. Cook the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using) to the skillet.
4. Whisk the ingredients together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Finish

1. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce.
2. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
3. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
4. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to reheat and absorb some of the flavors.
5. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving your honey garlic chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

• For extra tender chicken: Brine your chicken breasts beforehand by soaking them in a solution of 1/4 cup salt dissolved in 4 cups water for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken breasts reach exactly 165°F for perfectly juicy results.
• For the richest sauce: Let the sauce reduce slightly longer for a thicker, more concentrated honey garlic glaze.
• Enhance the flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the sauce for an extra dimension of flavor in your honey garlic chicken.
• For crispy exterior: Lightly dust the chicken with flour before cooking for a slightly crispier texture that holds the sauce well.
• Make it prettier: For that Instagram-worthy honey garlic chicken, garnish with extra sesame seeds, thinly sliced chili, and microgreens.
• Secret ingredient: A splash of fresh orange juice in the sauce adds a subtle citrus note that elevates your honey garlic chicken breasts to restaurant quality.

Best Ways to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

The beauty of honey garlic chicken breasts is their versatility. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce
• With roasted broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal
• Sliced and served over a fresh salad for a lighter option
• With garlic mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food pairing
• Alongside a quick stir-fry of colorful vegetables
• With cauliflower rice for a low-carb honey garlic chicken meal
• In a wrap with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of the sauce
• Sliced and served over noodles (rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti work great)
• With a simple side of roasted sweet potatoes for complementary flavors

For a complete Asian-inspired feast, serve your honey garlic chicken breasts with our Vegetable Fried Rice and Quick Pickled Asian Cucumbers for a balanced and impressive meal.

Nutritional Information for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

One serving of honey garlic chicken breasts (1 chicken breast with sauce) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 16g (primarily from honey)
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 0g

This honey garlic chicken recipe is high in protein while being moderate in carbohydrates, making it a balanced choice for most diets. For a lower-sodium version, reduce the soy sauce or use a low-sodium alternative in your honey garlic chicken breasts.

Storage & Leftovers

Honey garlic chicken breasts store exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This honey garlic chicken recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen honey garlic chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave at 70% power with a damp paper towel covering the chicken to maintain moisture.
• Sauce storage: Extra honey garlic sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and used as a glaze or marinade for other proteins.

FAQs for Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Can I make honey garlic chicken breasts in advance?

Yes! Honey garlic chicken breasts can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately, then reheat the chicken in the sauce over medium-low heat just before serving for the best results. This makes it perfect for meal prep or planning ahead for dinner parties.

What’s the secret to moist honey garlic chicken breasts?

The secret to moist honey garlic chicken breasts is cooking them to the exact right temperature (165°F) and letting them rest before slicing. For extra insurance against dry chicken, you can also brine the breasts for 30 minutes before cooking, or use the “reverse sear” method: bake at 275°F until they reach 155°F internally, then finish in a hot skillet with the honey garlic sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for honey garlic chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this honey garlic chicken recipe. They’re naturally more flavorful and forgiving (harder to overcook) than breasts. If using boneless, skinless thighs, keep the cooking time similar but expect even juicier results. If using bone-in thighs, increase the cooking time by about a good 5-7 minutes per side until they reach 165°F internally.

Is honey garlic chicken gluten-free?

Traditional honey garlic chicken is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce, which contains wheat. However, you can easily make gluten-free honey garlic chicken breasts by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari, coconut aminos, or gluten-free soy sauce. Always check your other ingredients, particularly any pre-made sauces like sriracha, to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Can I make honey garlic chicken in the air fryer?

Yes! For air fryer honey garlic chicken breasts, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Cook seasoned chicken breasts for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F internally. Meanwhile, prepare the honey garlic sauce in a saucepan on the stove. When the chicken is done, toss it in the thickened sauce or drizzle the sauce over the chicken before serving. This method yields extra-crispy exterior while maintaining juicy meat.

Related Recipes

If you love these honey garlic chicken breasts, you’ll also enjoy these flavorful recipes:

• Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry – Another quick and delicious Asian-inspired chicken dinner
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken – For when you want a tangy twist on chicken breasts
• Sticky Asian Glazed Chicken – Similar sweet and savory profile with different spices
• Easy Chicken Marsala – Another restaurant-quality chicken dish you can make at home
• Garlic Butter Shrimp – If you love the garlic flavor in this dish, try it with seafood!

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now you know how to make the best honey garlic chicken breasts at home! This simple yet impressive dish proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The perfect balance of sweet honey and aromatic garlic creates a sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.

Have you tried making this honey garlic chicken recipe? We’d love to see your results! Share your photos on Instagram and tag us @recipebyme or leave a comment below with your experience. Did you make any modifications to the honey garlic sauce? Let us know what worked for you!

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Last updated: April 5, 2025

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