Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is an easy, juicy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that perfectly balances sweet honey and savory garlic. Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe delivers tender chicken coated in a delicious glaze in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick meals or meal prep.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Lightly season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and lemon juice thoroughly. This sauce will provide a savory-sweet glaze coating the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, turning the chicken occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken nicely, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting keeps the juices locked in, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before cooking helps develop a crispy, golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; aim for 165°F internal temperature.
- Simmer the sauce longer if you prefer a thicker glaze that clings better.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best vibrant flavor.
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices for juicy results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken Breast, Easy Chicken Dinner, Weeknight Chicken Recipe, Juicy Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken