Honey Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a savory and sweet dish perfect for weeknight dinners or even meal prepping. With its tender chicken and sticky, flavorful sauce, it pairs wonderfully with rice, veggies, or mashed potatoes. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor—ideal for home cooks of all levels.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for a light coating)

2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons honey

3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

Chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)

Sesame seeds (optional) :

Preparation Stages

1. Prepare the Chicken

Tableau for Clarity:

Task	Tools Needed	Advice & Tips
Pat dry chicken	Paper towels	Ensure chicken is dry to get a proper sear.
Season chicken	Salt, pepper, paprika	Paprika adds a golden hue but is optional.
Coat with flour	Plate, all-purpose flour	Lightly dust for a crisp texture and thick sauce.

Tip: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet. This ensures even cooking.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil shimmers and butter melts, place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C).

Advice:

Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
Avoid flipping the chicken too early to achieve a perfect crust.

After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Tableau for Clarity:

Ingredient Added	Action Taken	Advice & Tips
Garlic	Sauté for 30 seconds	Stir constantly to avoid burning garlic.
Honey	Stir into garlic	Use local honey for deeper flavor.
Chicken broth	Add and stir	Scrape the pan to deglaze and capture the flavor.
Soy sauce & vinegar	Mix with other ingredients	Adjust soy sauce for a saltier or lighter taste.
Chili flakes	Sprinkle (optional)	Skip for mild sauce or add more for spiciness.

Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. The honey will help create a sticky, glossy consistency.

4. Glaze the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet.
Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Advice: Use a spoon to constantly baste the chicken with the sauce, keeping it moist and flavorful.

5. Serve and Garnish

Plate the chicken and drizzle extra sauce over the top.
Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for added freshness and visual appeal.

Serve hot with your choice of side: rice, mashed potatoes, or sautéed veggies.

Tips and Tricks

For Juicy Chicken: Pound the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking.
Thicker Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water).

Meal Prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is an easy-to-follow dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, the balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness is sure to impress.