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Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Alysse

Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

A quick, easy, one-pan recipe for impossibly juicy chicken breasts coated in a sticky, savory, and perfectly balanced honey garlic sauce. Faster and better than takeout, this is the ultimate 25-minute weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:
  • 4 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 - 2 lbs total), sliced into thin cutlets
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
  • cup honey
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 4-6 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
For Garnish:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 4-5 minutes per side without moving it, until a deep golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Create the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and cold water together to create a smooth slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Combine and Serve: Turn off the heat. Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is generously coated. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure you use cornstarch (which is naturally gluten-free) instead of flour for dredging the chicken.
  • Using Chicken Thighs: This recipe works wonderfully with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cook times will be similar, but always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes works well to crisp it back up slightly.