Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Cooked rice or vegetables for serving

Author: Emily

Published: 3 June 2025

Updated: 4 January 2026

why make this recipe

This honey garlic chicken is quick and cozy.
It marries sweet honey with savory soy and bright garlic.
It cooks fast. You can get dinner on the table in about 20 minutes.
It works for busy weeknights and casual dinners.
If you like easy chicken dinners, you might also enjoy my BBQ chicken quesadillas for another fuss-free option.

how to make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 4 cloves garlic, minced, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Cooked rice or vegetables for serving

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Directions:

In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Pour the honey garlic mixture over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and chicken is cooked through.
Serve with fluffy rice or crisp veggies.

If you want a handy handheld dinner, try pairing leftovers with a slider recipe like my chicken bacon ranch sliders.

how to serve Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Serve this over steamed rice.
Serve it with roasted broccoli or a simple salad.
The sauce soaks into rice and tastes lovely.
For a change, try it alongside a mushroom-focused dish such as the chicken of the woods recipe for a woodsy, savory side.

how to store Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Cool the chicken to room temperature first.
Place it in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat so the sauce does not burn.

tips to make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning.
This helps it brown evenly.
Use a heavy skillet for steady heat.
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it a little longer to reduce.
For extra flavor, sear the chicken and finish in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
If you love buttery, rich pasta with chicken, try it with my cowboy butter chicken pasta sometime.

variation (if any)

Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more juiciness.
Add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon for brightness.
Stir in red pepper flakes for heat.
If you want a fruity twist, swap some honey for orange marmalade and try a flavor close to my cranberry orange chicken idea.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Thaw them fully in the fridge first. Pat them dry before cooking.

Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F in the thickest part.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes. Mix the honey, soy, and garlic and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Warm it before adding to the pan.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

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