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Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

A quick and easy honey garlic chicken recipe with a glossy, sticky sauce that's perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 370
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) Pound to even thickness if uneven.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced About 1–1½ teaspoons minced per clove.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Use low-sodium if preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Runny honey blends most easily into the sauce.
Optional Ingredients
  • 1–2 tablespoons butter or oil For searing.
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes If you like heat.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch Mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to thicken the sauce faster.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. If breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally or pound to even thickness.
Cooking
  1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add a touch more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 20–30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it brown.
  3. Stir in the soy sauce and honey. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan to deepen flavor. Let the sauce bubble gently for 1–2 minutes to meld.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the pieces. Lower heat to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping once, until the sauce thickens and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and boil the sauce quickly, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and simmer until glossy.
  6. Rest the chicken for 3–5 minutes, then slice and spoon extra sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Best ways to enjoy: slice and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or wilted greens. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently.