Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a quick and easy weeknight dinner, featuring juicy chicken breasts glazed in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish can be prepared in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just 12 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Minimal Ingredients: Requires only five simple ingredients that are easy to find.
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Flavorful: Combines sweet honey and savory soy sauce with the richness of garlic, creating a sauce that enhances the chicken perfectly.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ cup honey
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¼ cup soy sauce
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
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Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Slice the chicken and drizzle with the remaining sauce before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 12 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
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Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to 6 cloves for a more robust flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu slices for a plant-based version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
FAQs
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to introduce some heat.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quick cooking and easy glazing. Bone-in pieces may require longer cooking times.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as soy sauce alternatives for those avoiding gluten or soy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to check.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad complement this dish nicely.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
It's best to consume cooked chicken within 3 months of freezing. Ensure it's stored in a freezer-safe container.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Cook the sauce over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent it from sticking or burning.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it's excellent for meal prep. Store individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a delicious, quick meal that combines simple ingredients with a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish is easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Whether you serve it with rice, veggies, or salad, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone looking for a flavorful and easy meal.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. This simple recipe features juicy chicken breasts glazed in a delicious honey garlic sauce, made with just five ingredients. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
nstructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
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Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
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Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Slice the chicken and drizzle with the remaining sauce before serving.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase garlic to 6 cloves for a more intense flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu for a plant-based dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding water or broth to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American