When life gets busy, finding a recipe that’s both quick and packed with flavor can feel like a lifesaver. This Quick and Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want to whip up something incredible without spending hours in the kitchen.
With tender, golden-brown chicken coated in a rich honey garlic sauce, this dish hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself, this honey garlic chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
This recipe combines simple ingredients with big flavors to create a dish that’s irresistible. The juicy chicken breasts are lightly coated and seared to perfection, while the honey garlic sauce adds a luxurious glaze that clings to every bite.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with rice, pasta, steamed vegetables, or even a fresh salad. Plus, it’s easy to make, meaning you can enjoy restaurant-quality food without ever leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients for Quick and Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 fillets |
| Salt | To season |
| Black pepper | To season |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 medium cloves or 3 large cloves |
| Honey | 1/3 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame seeds | For garnish |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | For garnish |
How to Make Quick and Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken breast fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Lightly coat each fillet with all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This helps create a golden crust when cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once the butter has melted, stir in the finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Add the honey, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar (or rice wine vinegar), and soy sauce to the skillet.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a glossy texture.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to coat them evenly with the honey garlic sauce.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and reheat.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chicken with sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the chicken hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Sweet and Savory Perfection
The honey garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, creating a glaze that’s both indulgent and delicious.
2. Quick and Easy
With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for special occasions.
3. Healthy and Customizable
This recipe uses lean chicken breasts and natural ingredients, making it a healthy choice. Plus, you can customize it by adding chili flakes for spice or swapping out the chicken for tofu or shrimp.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Fiber | 0g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Garlic Chicken
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic adds a depth of flavor that elevates the sauce. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar for the best results.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks to ensure it stays juicy and tender. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
- Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of vinegar.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps it thicken and develop a rich, glossy texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: A good non-stick skillet prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Honey garlic chicken is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Rice: Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a side of glazed carrots for a balanced meal.
- Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Noodles: Serve over egg noodles or spaghetti for a hearty, pasta-based dinner.
FAQs About Quick and Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them together in a skillet when ready to serve.
3. What can I use as a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
Rice wine vinegar or white vinegar can be used as substitutes for apple cider vinegar. They provide a similar tangy flavor.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
6. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make this dish keto-friendly, replace the honey with a sugar-free honey alternative and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
Quick and Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. With its golden-brown chicken and sticky honey garlic glaze, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable, and versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes. So, grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this mouthwatering dish today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Quick and Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Sweet, savory, and irresistibly flavorful, this Quick and Delicious Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect dinner for busy nights. With tender chicken coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and pairs beautifully with rice, vegetables, or pasta. Whether you’re making dinner for two or the whole family, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
- Salt and pepper, to season
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 medium garlic cloves (or 3 large cloves), finely chopped
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breast fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Lightly coat the fillets with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This step ensures a crispy, golden crust when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the floured chicken fillets in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Add honey, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar (or rice wine vinegar), and soy sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly and take on a rich, glossy texture.
5. Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked chicken fillets to the skillet. Coat them thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce, ensuring they’re evenly glazed.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and reheat.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chicken with sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Garlic Tips: Fresh garlic works best for this recipe, as it provides a deeper, richer flavor.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, rice wine vinegar or white vinegar are excellent substitutes.
- Thickness Adjustment: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water.
- Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
