This Honey Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy recipe that delivers big flavor with just five ingredients. In just 12 minutes, you can create a savory and sweet honey garlic sauce that coats perfectly seared chicken breasts. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish is simple to prepare and versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sides. The sauce is rich, sticky, and absolutely irresistible, making this a meal your family will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just 12 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
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Minimal Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
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Versatile: You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu.
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Flavor Packed: The honey garlic sauce is sticky, sweet, savory, and full of flavor, perfect for drizzling over rice or veggies.
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts (split in half to make 8 pieces)
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1 tablespoon flour (for dusting the chicken)
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1 tablespoon butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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3 tablespoons honey
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Split each chicken breast in half, creating 8 pieces. Dust the chicken lightly with flour.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and turn it to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
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Serve the chicken with a drizzle of the honey garlic sauce, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 4 minutes
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Cook Time: 8 minutes
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Total Time: 12 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Add heat: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the sauce a spicy kick.
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Make it tangier: Add a little extra vinegar for a sharper flavor.
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Serve with different sides: This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a simple salad.
Storage/Reheating
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Store leftover Honey Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or gently reheat in a skillet over low heat.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first for the best results.
Can I make the honey garlic sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat before using.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can sauté vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas in the same skillet to soak up the extra sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour and soy sauce alternative (like tamari).
Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve a larger group. Just make sure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken.
Can I use honey substitutes?
You can use maple syrup or agave as a substitute for honey, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I cook this on the grill?
This recipe works better in a skillet, but you can grill the chicken and then drizzle the sauce over it just before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best to freeze the chicken without the sauce. Store the cooked chicken in the freezer for up to 3 months, and reheat with fresh sauce when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The five-ingredient sauce is simple to make and pairs perfectly with juicy chicken. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for guests, this dish will definitely impress!
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Honey Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner, made with just five ingredients and ready in 12 minutes. With a savory, sweet, and sticky honey garlic sauce that coats perfectly seared chicken breasts, it’s a simple, flavorful dish the whole family will love. Versatile enough to be paired with rice, vegetables, or even tofu, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts (split in half to make 8 pieces)
1 tablespoon flour (for dusting the chicken)
1 tablespoon butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
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Split each chicken breast in half, creating 8 pieces. Dust the chicken lightly with flour.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add vinegar, soy sauce, and honey, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and turn it to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and glossy.
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Serve the chicken with a drizzle of the honey garlic sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
If you prefer a tangier flavor, add extra vinegar.
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a simple salad.
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
