I have to tell you about this Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! Honestly, it’s one of those meals I turn to when I want something delicious but not overly complicated. The first time I made it, I wasn’t too sure how it would turn out, but it blew my mind. I couldn’t believe how such simple ingredients came together to create something so flavorful.
The honey adds the perfect sweetness, the garlic gives it a punch of savory goodness, and the chicken? It’s tender, juicy, and downright irresistible. If you’re looking for a dish that is easy, packed with flavor, and feels like restaurant-quality, this is it. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your recipe collection.
How Long Does It Take to Cook This Recipe?
Making Honey Garlic Chicken doesn’t take forever, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. Here’s a breakdown for you:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
If you’re rushing after work or just don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe works perfectly. A time-saving tip? Measure out and prep all your ingredients before starting. It streamlines the process and makes cooking so much smoother.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essential kitchen tools on hand. They make preparation effortless and ensure your dish turns out perfect:
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan (medium to large size)
- Sharp knife for slicing chicken and chopping garlic
- Measuring spoons and cups for accurate portions
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring the sauce
- Mixing bowl for the sauce preparation
- Tongs to flip chicken without tearing it
(Pro tip: Having a good-quality non-stick skillet will prevent sticking and help evenly caramelize the chicken!)
Ingredients You’ll Love
This Honey Garlic Chicken comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s the full list:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4-5 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Cook This Recipe 👩🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each piece with a thin layer of flour. This helps lock in moisture and gives the chicken a golden crust.
Step 2: Sear Chicken to Perfection
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil once hot. Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t burn it! 🔥 Mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic and stir well.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the honey garlic sauce over the pieces. Lower the heat and simmer everything for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F). Flip the chicken halfway through to coat it in that sticky, sweet, and savory sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and drizzle extra sauce on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. 🌿
Quick Cooking Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it while the chicken cooks.
Delicious Pairing Ideas
This Honey Garlic Chicken goes well with just about anything! Here are some ideas to make your meal extra special:
- Steamed rice (white, jasmine, or brown rice) to soak up that amazing sauce
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty side
- Roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini
- Quinoa for a healthy twist
Top the dish with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or serve with a fresh green salad for added freshness.
Tips to Make It Just Right
Here are some expert tips to elevate your Honey Garlic Chicken:
- Use high-quality honey for a richer flavor. Raw honey works wonders!
- Balance the flavors by adjusting the vinegar if it’s too sweet or adding an extra pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes in soy sauce and a dash of garlic before cooking for even more flavor depth.
- Customize it! Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option or use tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Serving Tip ✨
Slice the chicken diagonally before serving for a professional-looking presentation.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional value per serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with sauce):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fats: 8g
- Sugar: 17g
This recipe is protein-packed and has a balance of flavors without being overly indulgent.
Storing Leftovers the Right Way
If you’ve got any leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to handle them:
- Refrigerate chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately for best results.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain flavor and texture, or use the microwave (add a spoonful of water to avoid drying out).
Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup honey
- 4-5 medium garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional, for a spicy kick
Instructions
- Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Lightly coat each piece with a thin layer of flour. This helps lock in moisture and gives the chicken a golden crust.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil once hot.
- Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don’t burn it! 🔥
- Mix honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the garlic and stir well.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the honey garlic sauce over the pieces.
- Lower the heat and simmer everything for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F). Flip the chicken halfway through to coat it in that sticky, sweet, and savory sauce.
- Once done, transfer the chicken to a serving plate and drizzle extra sauce on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. 🌿
- Quick Cooking Tip 🚀
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it while the chicken cooks.
Notes
- Refrigerate chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately for best results.
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain flavor and texture, or use the microwave (add a spoonful of water to avoid drying out).
