This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want a delicious meal. The simple honey garlic sauce, made with just a few ingredients, coats the chicken beautifully, turning it into a savory, slightly sweet masterpiece. The best part? It takes just 12 minutes from start to finish!
Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe:
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Quick & Easy: Ready in 12 minutes with just a few ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something simple but flavorful.
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Flavor-Packed Sauce: The honey garlic sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, creating a rich coating on the chicken.
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Versatile: You can use this sauce with any protein—beef, shrimp, or even tofu!
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One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup because everything is made in one skillet.
Ingredients:
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500g (1 lb) chicken breast, boneless and skinless (2 pieces)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
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3 1/2 tbsp (50g) unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
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1 tbsp soy sauce, light or all-purpose
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1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup for a different flavor)
What You Need:
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A large skillet
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A shallow dish for flour
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A spatula or tongs for flipping the chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
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Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner steaks. Season each side with salt and pepper.
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Place flour in a shallow dish and coat the chicken pieces, shaking off the excess flour.
2. Sear the Chicken:
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Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Hold back about 1 teaspoon of butter for later.
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Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another minute.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
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Turn the heat down to medium-high. Create some space in the pan and add the minced garlic and the remaining butter.
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Once the butter melts, add the apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Simmer and Coat the Chicken:
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Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute, or until it thickens slightly. Turn the chicken pieces to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little water to loosen it.
5. Finish and Serve:
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Once the chicken is fully coated in the sauce and cooked through, remove from heat.
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Plate the chicken and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe:
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a go-to for busy weeknights. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the honey garlic sauce is seriously addictive! It’s sweet, savory, and a little tangy—all the flavors you want in one dish. Plus, it’s quick enough to make any time you need a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Variations to Try:
Different Proteins:
This sauce works beautifully with other proteins! Try it with beef, steak, tofu, or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein.
Spicy Kick:
If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in some sriracha for a spicy honey garlic variation.
Citrus Twist:
Add a squeeze of lemon juice or orange juice to the sauce for a refreshing citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.
Garlic Butter Version:
For a richer version, use all butter instead of oil, and add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the sauce to make it creamy.
Herb-Infused:
Stir in some fresh thyme or rosemary while the chicken is cooking to infuse the sauce with herbal notes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time since they tend to take a little longer than chicken breasts.
2. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup will create a similar sweet effect and work wonderfully with the garlic and vinegar.
3. What should I serve this with?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the flour for cornstarch to coat the chicken. It won’t brown as evenly as flour, but once covered in the sauce, you won’t even notice the difference.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion:
This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is perfect for any night of the week when you’re craving something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of honey, garlic, and a touch of vinegar creates a perfect sauce that will have everyone reaching for more. With just a handful of ingredients and 12 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels fancy without the hassle.
PrintHoney Garlic Chicken Breast
Soft, buttery pull-apart bread made from dough balls coated in garlic, Parmesan, and melted butter, baked to golden perfection in a Bundt pan—perfect for sharing at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus rising time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 batch bread dough (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare bread dough according to recipe or package directions, letting it rise fully.
- Divide dough into 1-inch balls using a small scoop or hands.
- In a shallow bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning (if using), and salt.
- Roll each dough ball in the garlic-Parmesan mixture until coated.
- Place coated dough balls into a Bundt pan, stacking evenly. Pour any leftover butter mixture over the top.
- Let rise for 30–45 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes for a mini Bundt or 30–35 minutes for a regular Bundt, until golden brown.
- Cool a few minutes, remove from pan, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use pre-made biscuit dough for a quick shortcut.
- Add mozzarella or cheddar between dough balls for extra cheesiness.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.
- Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg