Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in Under 30 Minutes

When you want a chicken dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and a total crowd-pleaser, Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are the answer. This dish is everything you want on a weeknight: sweet, sticky, garlicky, and ready in 30 minutes flat.

The chicken is pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a glossy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic. The result? Tender, juicy chicken coated in a glaze that’s equal parts savory and sweet with a little kick of heat.

Serve it with rice, veggies, or even noodles—and watch how fast it disappears.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken

Fast and Flavorful

Ready in under 30 minutes with bold flavor in every bite.

Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

Everything in this recipe is probably already in your kitchen.

Versatile

Serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce, or toss it in a salad.

Healthier than Takeout

Skip the greasy boxes and make a lighter, homemade version.

Family Approved

Kids love the sweet glaze. Grown-ups love the balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe makes 4 servings using boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally (for 4 thinner cutlets)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for optional crispy coating)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon water + 1 teaspoon cornstarch (slurry to thicken sauce)

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

This easy recipe goes from stovetop to plate in no time. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
• Pat dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Lightly coat with cornstarch for extra crispiness (optional).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
• Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
• Pour slurry into the sauce and stir. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Pan

• Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece.
• Simmer for 1–2 minutes to coat the chicken in the glaze.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
• Spoon extra sauce over rice, noodles, or veggies.

Best Sides for Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish is versatile and works with lots of sides. Here are some favorites:

Starches

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Brown rice or quinoa
• Garlic noodles
• Mashed potatoes (for a twist)

Veggies

• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Stir-fried mixed vegetables
• Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
• Sautéed spinach or bok choy

Breads

• Warm naan or flatbread
• Crusty dinner rolls
• Asian-style scallion pancakes

Flavor Variations and Customizations

Want to change it up? Here are some fun tweaks.

Make It Spicy

• Add sriracha, chili garlic paste, or double the red pepper flakes

Add Veggies to the Pan

• Sauté bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli with the garlic for a one-pan meal

Use Chicken Thighs

• Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and work great in this recipe

Go Gluten-Free

• Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce
• Check that your cornstarch and vinegar are gluten-free

Add a Crunchy Topping

• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts

How to Meal Prep or Make Ahead

Meal Prep Instructions

• Cook chicken and sauce fully
• Let cool and portion into containers with rice and veggies
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days

Freezer Tips

• Let cool completely
• Store in airtight freezer bags or containers
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in skillet or microwave

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway
• Skillet: Heat over medium-low with a splash of water or broth

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken

Use Thin Chicken Breasts

Thinner cuts cook faster and more evenly. Halve thick chicken breasts for best results.

Sear, Don’t Steam

Make sure your pan is hot before adding chicken. Let it sear undisturbed for that golden crust.

Don’t Burn the Garlic

Lower the heat before adding garlic and stir constantly. Burnt garlic will turn the sauce bitter.

Taste the Sauce

Adjust the honey, soy, or vinegar to your preference. Make it sweeter, saltier, or tangier!

Use Fresh Garlic

Jarred garlic works, but fresh cloves give the sauce the best flavor.

Serving Ideas for a Full Meal

Here’s a simple, delicious dinner plan using this recipe:

Main: Honey Garlic Chicken
Side 1: Steamed jasmine rice
Side 2: Roasted broccoli with sesame oil
Drink: Sparkling water with lemon
Dessert: Fresh pineapple slices or mango sorbet

Conclusion: The Weeknight Chicken Recipe That Wows Every Time

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts check all the boxes—quick, easy, sweet, savory, and satisfying. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you get a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies, this dish never disappoints. It’s kid-friendly, meal-prep approved, and perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

Give it a try tonight—you might just add it to your weekly rotation.

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FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and broil for 2 minutes to caramelize.

2. Can I use chicken thighs?

Definitely. Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful. Cook the same way—just a couple minutes longer per side.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and confirm your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I make this in the air fryer?

Yes! Air fry seasoned chicken at 375°F for 12–14 minutes. Toss with warmed sauce just before serving.

5. What kind of honey should I use?

Any liquid honey works—clover, wildflower, raw. Choose one with a mild flavor that won’t overpower the sauce.

6. Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. This sauce is so good you may want more for rice or noodles. Just double all sauce ingredients.

7. Will jarred garlic work instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh garlic delivers the best flavor. If using jarred, reduce slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add a little more cornstarch slurry and simmer for an extra minute. Stir constantly to avoid clumps.

9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. It stores and reheats very well. Keep the chicken and sauce separate until reheating if you want maximum freshness.

10. What vegetables go best with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, green beans, sautéed spinach, or stir-fried bell peppers all pair beautifully.