Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a sweet and tasty dish that’s simple to make. Just tender chicken cooked with honey and garlic makes for a lovely flavor mix!
I love how the sticky glaze makes every bite feel special. It pairs perfectly with rice or veggies, and it’s a real crowd-pleaser at dinner! 🍯🍗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well and add more flavor.
Honey: Honey gives sweetness to the dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used, but they will alter the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: This adds the saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free version, use tamari. If you’re watching your sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a great option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for the best flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really shines in this dish.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This provides acidity to balance the sweetness. Rice vinegar can be a good substitute if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand.
Grated Ginger: While optional, ginger adds a nice touch. If you don’t have fresh ginger, a pinch of ground ginger can work too.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky but reaching the right internal temperature is key. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy—165°F (75°C) is the target. Here’s how to cook it just right:
- Heat your skillet until it’s hot before adding chicken; this helps with browning.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, avoiding the urge to move it around too much.
- When you flip the chicken, check for a golden-brown crust. If it sticks, give it more time to sear.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to get this delicious honey garlic chicken on your table. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by making the honey garlic sauce! In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and grated ginger (if using). Use a whisk to mix everything together until well combined and set aside for later.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This will help to enhance the flavor, making each bite tasty!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a little olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re nice and golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Add the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken a bit and really coat the chicken beautifully.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy! Then, slice the chicken and serve it drizzled with the delicious sauce from the pan.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Now, your honey garlic chicken breasts are ready to enjoy! Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and remain juicy due to their higher fat content. Just keep in mind that thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time, about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can easily substitute rice vinegar or even white vinegar in equal amounts. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to balance the tang, mix in a teaspoon of sugar or honey to the vinegar before adding it to the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover honey garlic chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts, covered, to keep it moist.
Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic?
Yes, you can! If you prefer using garlic powder, substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic. Keep in mind that garlic powder has a more concentrated flavor, so adjust to your taste accordingly. Add it to the sauce mixture instead of sautéing with the chicken.
