Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Healthy Easy Recipe in 20 Minutes
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are one of those really good chicken recipes that never fail to impress. The sweet aroma of honey mixed with savory garlic fills the kitchen and makes dinnertime feel special. This dish is perfect when you need healthy chicken ideas for dinner that are quick but packed with flavor. The glossy honey garlic sauce clings beautifully to juicy chicken, turning a simple meal into something memorable. Whether you are cooking for family or looking for cheap chicken dinner recipes that taste like a restaurant meal, this recipe delivers.
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Remove to a plate.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the same skillet and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir often. To thicken, whisk in cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the thickened sauce. Simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love this honey garlic chicken recipe
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts combine everyday ingredients into a meal that feels indulgent yet remains a chicken recipe healthy easy enough for weeknights. The honey brings sweetness, garlic adds depth, and soy sauce balances the flavors perfectly. If you need weekend chicken dinner ideas that do not take hours, this one is a winner. You can even turn it into honey bacon chicken by adding crispy bacon on top, making the dish even more delicious.
Ingredients for honey garlic chicken breasts
Here is everything you need along with helpful substitutions to keep the recipe flexible:
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Ideas |
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 | Swap with thighs for juicier texture |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Garlic salt for extra flavor |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Avocado oil or canola oil |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | Maple syrup for variation |
| Soy sauce low sodium | 1/4 cup | Tamari or coconut aminos |
| Garlic minced | 3 cloves | Use pre-minced garlic if short on time |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 tbsp | Lemon juice or rice vinegar |
| Fresh ginger grated optional | 1 tsp | Ground ginger 1/4 tsp |
| Red pepper flakes optional | 1/4 tsp | Skip if you prefer mild flavor |
| Cornstarch mixed with cold water | 1 tbsp plus 2 tbsp | To thicken sauce |
| Fresh parsley or green onions | Garnish | Cilantro or basil for a twist |
For extra richness, try chicken breast recipes with cheese by sprinkling shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top during the last minute of cooking.
How to make honey garlic chicken step by step
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a bowl whisk together honey soy sauce garlic apple cider vinegar ginger and red pepper flakes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through at 165°F or 74°C. Remove to a plate.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes while stirring. If you want a thicker sauce whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Return chicken to the skillet coat with sauce and simmer another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
If you want quick meals, this works even as easy chicken dishes 3 ingredients style when simplified to chicken honey and garlic.
How to serve honey garlic chicken
Serve this dish with rice mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for chicken breast dinner ideas easy quick to prepare. For weekend meals try pairing with wild rice and cranberries or transform it into honey bacon chicken for a fun twist. For lighter versions serve with quinoa and a fresh salad.
Pro tips for perfect results
- Pound chicken breasts evenly for faster cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet so the chicken sears nicely.
- Taste the sauce before thickening and adjust honey or vinegar.
- Add cheese before serving for creamy chicken breast recipes with cheese.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Cooking on high heat which can burn honey.
- Skipping cornstarch if you prefer a thick glaze.
- Overcooking chicken which makes it dry.
Storage and reheating instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken with sauce for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave in short intervals.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are simple yet full of flavor. This recipe checks every box for chicken breast dinner ideas easy quick healthy and affordable. Whether you need cheap chicken dinner recipes or really good chicken recipes for guests this one deserves a spot on your table. Save it for your next meal plan and enjoy one of the best chicken recipe healthy easy dishes you will ever make.
