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Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

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

  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

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 recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a glossy, sticky sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Notes

Pro Tips:

  • 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.
  • For crispy exterior: Lightly dust the chicken with flour before cooking for a slightly crispier texture that holds the sauce well.
  • Secret ingredient: A splash of fresh orange juice in the sauce adds a subtle citrus note that elevates your dish to restaurant quality.

Storage & Leftovers:

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: For best results, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying.
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 20
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 16
  • Sodium: 890
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 115

Keywords: honey garlic chicken breasts, easy chicken recipe, honey garlic sauce, weeknight dinner, one-pan chicken, sticky chicken, glazed chicken, 30-minute dinner, quick dinner recipe

Find it online: https://recipesmolly.com/honey-garlic-chicken-breasts-easy-recipe/