Chicken breast often gets a bad reputation for being bland or dry—but not anymore. This Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sticky, savory-sweet skillet meal that tastes like your favorite takeout but is healthier, faster, and budget-friendly.
With just one pan and 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests at dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality Sauce – Sticky, glossy, and bursting with flavor.
✔️ Healthy & Balanced – Lean protein, minimal oil, and all-natural ingredients.
✔️ Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, veggies, or in wraps.
✔️ Family-Friendly – Kid-approved but easy to customize for spice lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded to even thickness
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tbsp raw honey (avoid artificial blends)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (fresh for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (slurry for thickening)
Optional Garnishes
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (for extra spice)
💡 Pro Tip: Pound chicken evenly to about ½-inch thickness for faster, more even cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Pound to even thickness and season both sides with salt & pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Transfer chicken to a plate.
3. Make the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (do not burn).
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and sriracha.
- Mix cornstarch slurry and add to sauce. Stir until thick and glossy (1–2 minutes).
4. Glaze the Chicken
- Return chicken to skillet.
- Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
This sticky-sweet chicken pairs well with almost anything:
- Rice: White, jasmine, or cauliflower rice.
- Veggies: Roasted broccoli, green beans, or snap peas.
- Noodles: Stir-fried soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti.
- Salads: Slice and serve over mixed greens with sesame dressing.
- Wraps & Sandwiches: Stuff into a tortilla with veggies or on a bun with slaw.
Expert Tips & Common Mistakes
❌ Overcooking chicken → Use a thermometer (165°F is perfect).
❌ Skipping pounding → Leads to uneven cooking.
❌ Burning garlic → Sauté only 30 seconds.
❌ Cheap honey → Use real honey for flavor depth.
✅ Pro Tip: Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon for the perfect sticky glaze.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken – Add chili flakes, extra sriracha, or gochujang.
- Crispy Version – Lightly coat chicken in flour before searing.
- Asian-Inspired – Add grated ginger and sesame oil.
- Kid-Friendly – Reduce garlic and vinegar, keep it sweet.
- Air Fryer Option – Cook chicken at 375°F for 15 minutes, then toss in sauce.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken + sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm gently in skillet or microwave (add splash of water if needed).
- Meal Prep: Portion chicken with rice/veggies in containers for grab-and-go lunches.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Based on 2 servings; values are approximate)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugars: 18g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 540mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving. Adjust cooking time (slightly longer).
Q: Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes—bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, then glaze with sauce.
Q: Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely. Just scale ingredients proportionally and use a slightly larger pan.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect solution when you want something fast, flavorful, and family-friendly. The combination of sticky-sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken—making it taste like it came straight from a restaurant.
Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish is guaranteed to earn a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
So skip the boring chicken recipes—this is your new go-to!
📌 Printable Recipe Card
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water
- Sesame seeds & green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Pound chicken to even thickness; season with salt & pepper.
- Heat oil in skillet; sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden (165°F internal temp). Remove.
- Add garlic; sauté 30 sec. Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sriracha. Add slurry; cook until thick.
- Return chicken, coat in sauce, simmer 2 min. Garnish & serve.
Nutrition (per serving): 310 cal | 30g protein | 24g carbs | 11g fat
