Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe
If you’re searching for a deliciously simple dinner that walks the perfect line between savory and sweet, Garlic Chicken with Honey will become your new weeknight hero! Succulent, pan-seared chicken breast gets bathed in a glossy, garlicky honey sauce with a punch of soy and just a hint of tang from rice vinegar. It’s one of those dishes where every bite is bursting with flavor and feels just a little bit special, even if the whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes. Trust me, with Garlic Chicken with Honey, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and maybe even licking the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Garlic Chicken with Honey is just how unfussy it is—the ingredient list is short, but every element brings big flavor and gorgeous color to your plate. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and a few easy tips for each one.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully without sticking.
- Butter: Divided for use in both cooking the chicken and building the luscious sauce that makes this dish sing.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Sliced for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- All-purpose flour: Creates that irresistible golden crust and helps thicken the sauce just a bit.
- Garlic (6 cloves, thinly sliced): Go generous here—the garlic is the star, infusing the sauce with big, aromatic flavor.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a rich, salty background to balance the honey.
- Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens everything up—don’t skip it.
- Honey: The sweet heart of the sauce, honey gives the glaze its glossy sheen and stickiness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and lifting all the other flavors.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Offers a pop of heat and rounds out the savory edge.
- Thinly sliced green onion (for garnish): Brings freshness and a splash of color to finish things off beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Chicken with Honey
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Start by heating your pan with olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium to medium-high heat. This combo gets hot enough for a great sear, while the butter adds flavor and helps with browning—just watch for it to get foamy, not burnt!
Step 2: Prepare and Slice the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. This not only speeds up the cooking time, it also means you get more delicious surface area for that golden crust.
Step 3: Season and Dredge
Season the chicken well on all sides with kosher salt and a generous crack of pepper. Then, dredge each piece lightly in all-purpose flour. The flour helps the chicken develop a gorgeously crisp exterior and also works magic thickening the sauce later.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the hot pan and cook for around 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until each side has a golden, crisp crust. Once the chicken is almost cooked through, transfer it to a plate—don’t worry, it will finish cooking when it goes back in the sauce.
Step 5: Sauté the Garlic
Drop the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the pan. Once it gets foamy, toss in your thinly sliced garlic. Stir constantly and keep a close eye—this should only take 30 to 60 seconds. The goal is fragrant, not browned, garlic!
Step 6: Build the Honey Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, scraping the pan to loosen all those caramelized bits left by the chicken. Add the honey, along with a pinch of salt and generous pepper. This is where Garlic Chicken with Honey gets its signature glaze, so let it gently simmer on medium-low until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!
Step 7: Return the Chicken & Finish Cooking
Slide the chicken (and any juices that have gathered) back into the pan. Baste with the sauce and let it cook for just a minute or so, until the chicken is fully warmed through and glossy from the glaze. Every piece should be shiny and sticky with that beautiful honey-garlic sauce.
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
Transfer your Garlic Chicken with Honey to plates or a serving platter, and scatter lots of thinly sliced green onion over the top. That fresh crunch and pop of color are your finishing touch. Now comes the best part—dig in!
How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Honey
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh green onion is classic for Garlic Chicken with Honey, offering a touch of sharpness and a pretty contrast with the shiny sauce. For a little more color, try adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even some finely chopped parsley—these simple touches make the dish look like it came straight from your favorite bistro.
Side Dishes
This sweet and savory chicken just begs for something to soak up that extra sauce! Fluffy steamed rice is a go-to choice, but Garlic Chicken with Honey is also perfect alongside buttery mashed potatoes, simple noodles, or even a crisp green salad. Don’t forget to add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready twist, slice the chicken into slim strips and pile them onto a platter with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Or, tuck slices of Garlic Chicken with Honey into warm bao buns or soft tortillas with quick pickles and slaw for a flavorful hand-held dinner. You can also layer the chicken over a big, fresh grain bowl drizzled with any leftover sauce—so many options!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers of Garlic Chicken with Honey, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for up to three days—the bold flavors actually deepen overnight!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Garlic Chicken with Honey for future meals. Just arrange the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, pressing out as much air as possible. Frozen, it’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Garlic Chicken with Honey gently, either in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, until hot throughout. Add a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce seems too thick. Stir occasionally so the honey sauce doesn’t scorch and the chicken stays juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in Garlic Chicken with Honey, adding even more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as they may need an extra minute or two per side.
Is there a substitute for seasoned rice vinegar?
If you don’t have seasoned rice vinegar, try apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar to mimic the sweetness. The key is to keep a gentle tang without overpowering the honey-garlic balance.
What’s the best way to slice the garlic for this dish?
Slice the garlic cloves very thinly—use a sharp knife or even a mandoline if you’re comfortable. Thin slices infuse the sauce while keeping their mellow aromatic profile, which is what makes Garlic Chicken with Honey so irresistible.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The results will be just as tasty and satisfying.
How can I make the honey sauce a bit spicier?
If you love a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when you add the honey and soy sauce. The sweet-spicy contrast takes this Garlic Chicken with Honey to a whole new level.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend Garlic Chicken with Honey enough—every time I make it, it feels like a treat, but it’s easy enough for any night of the week. Try it out, make it your own, and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and be ready for plenty of requests for seconds!
Print
Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Chicken with Honey recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. Tender chicken in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Sauce:
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup honey
- Thinly sliced green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Butter: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice chicken breast in half lengthwise, season with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour.
- Cook Chicken: Cook chicken in the pan until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt remaining butter and cook garlic until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Deglaze the pan with soy sauce and rice vinegar, then add honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Finish Dish: Return chicken to the pan, warm through in the sauce. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Make sure not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust honey to taste for desired sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Garlic Chicken, Honey Chicken, Asian Chicken Recipe
