Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast (25-Minutes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a quick and flavorful dish that delivers tender chicken with a sweet and savory glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 25-minute recipe is made with pantry staples and cooked in a single skillet. The balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats each bite beautifully.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastsolive oilsalt and peppergarlic cloves (minced)honeysoy saucesmall amount of watercornstarch (optional for thickening)parsley or green onions (for garnish)

directions

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

(Optional) Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce if a thicker glaze is desired.

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce and simmering for another 2-3 minutes.

Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2-4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for brightness.

Include red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Stir in some grated ginger for extra depth of flavor.

Serve over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it or let it simmer longer to reduce.

Can I bake this instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, then pour the sauce over during the last 5 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely, especially if you’re serving it over rice or veggies.

How do I know the chicken is done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I prep this ahead?

You can season and refrigerate the chicken up to 1 day in advance.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Not necessary for this quick recipe, but marinating can enhance flavor.

What sides pair well?

Steamed broccoli, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad work great.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is recommended for best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is the ultimate go-to for a fast, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. With its sweet and savory sauce and tender texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is both satisfying and simple to make.

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