Go Back
Honey garlic chicken with juicy chicken and glossy garlic sauce

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

This honey garlic chicken features tender chicken breasts coated in a glossy sauce made with honey, fresh garlic, and savory seasonings. An easy skillet dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken:
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce:
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water
For Serving:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • Sesame seeds optional
  • Lemon wedges optional

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken:
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry. If they are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Make the Sauce:
  1. Whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
Cook the Chicken:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 4–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate.
Cook the Sauce:
  1. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic mixture into the skillet and scrape up the browned bits. Simmer for about 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Finish the Chicken:
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer gently for another 2–4 minutes, turning the chicken once so it becomes well coated. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Garnish and Serve:
  1. Remove from the heat and spoon the extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pound thick chicken breasts evenly for more consistent cooking.
  • Fresh garlic gives the sauce a stronger flavor.
  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent the honey from burning.
  • Don't overcook the chicken.
  • Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat.
  • Fresh ginger can add extra flavor.
  • Serve with rice, vegetables, noodles, or salad.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within a reasonable time and use within 3–4 days.
  • Freeze cooked chicken and sauce if desired, although the sauce texture may change slightly after thawing.