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Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Section: Hearty Main Courses Everyone Will Love

This dish features tender chicken breast seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious honey garlic sauce made from garlic, butter, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar. The chicken is lightly coated with flour to create a crispy crust that holds the flavorful sauce beautifully. The method is designed for quick preparation, resulting in a savory balance of sweetness from honey and tang from vinegar. Versatile and simple, it pairs well with multiple proteins such as tofu, prawns, or pork, adapting easily to different tastes.

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Sarah smiles for the camera.
Created By Sarah
Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:32:20 GMT
A pan of chicken with honey and garlic. Save
A pan of chicken with honey and garlic. | veganrecipesbysarah.com

This honey garlic chicken breast recipe delivers a quick and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave comfort food with a twist. The chicken gets a golden sear that locks in juices and creates a delicious crust that holds onto the sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce. It feels impressive without being complicated, making it a fantastic go-to meal.

I discovered this recipe on a day when I wanted something quick but satisfying. Now it’s a staple because everyone loves that golden crust and the rich sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: boneless and skinless — choose plump pieces for juiciness and even cooking
  • Salt and pepper: basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors
  • Flour: dusting the chicken helps create a crust for the sauce to cling to and gives a pleasant texture
  • Unsalted butter or olive oil: butter adds richness, oil is a lighter option; quality butter will deepen flavor
  • Garlic cloves, minced: fresh garlic imparts robust aroma and taste, avoid pre-minced for best results
  • Apple cider vinegar: balances the sweetness with acidity; substitute white vinegar if needed
  • Soy sauce light or all-purpose: adds umami saltiness; avoid dark soy sauce as it can overpower
  • Honey: the star ingredient for sweetness and that glossy finish; good quality honey makes a big difference

How to Make It

Slicing and seasoning the chicken:
Cut the breasts horizontally to make four thin steaks. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper for flavor that penetrates the meat.
Coating the chicken with flour:
Place flour in a shallow dish and lightly coat each chicken piece, shaking off excess so it is just dusted. This step is key for achieving that perfect crust.
Searing the chicken:
Heat most of the butter in a large skillet on high. Add chicken and cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and caramelized on the first side. Flip and cook for 1 minute. The high heat locks juices inside.
Lowering heat and adding garlic:
Turn the heat down slightly to medium high. Make some space in the pan for minced garlic and the reserved small amount of butter. Stir garlic briefly as butter melts, releasing fragrant aromas without burning.
Building the sauce:
Stir in apple cider vinegar soy sauce and honey. Use a gentle shake of the pan to combine everything. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 1 minute until it thickens slightly.
Coating and finishing:
Turn the chicken pieces to coat them well in the honey garlic sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water to loosen it. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
Serving:
Transfer chicken to plates and drizzle over any remaining sauce from the pan for maximum flavor impact.
A bowl of chicken with sauce.
A bowl of chicken with sauce. | veganrecipesbysarah.com

The honey garlic sauce is my favorite part — that balance of sweetness and tanginess makes the chicken taste like an indulgence without spending hours. One time I made this for a family dinner and everyone asked for seconds before the first plates were cleared.

Flavor Boosters

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain the sauce’s texture and avoid drying out the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce. A side of sautéed greens like spinach or green beans balances the sweetness and adds freshness. Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh herbs like chopped parsley for color and extra flavor.

Creative Twists

Honey garlic sauce is popular in many Western cuisines as a sweet and savory glaze for quick skillet meals. It balances flavors beautifully and often appears in comfort food recipes that celebrate simplicity with impact. In summer, grill the chicken after coating it with flour and spices, then pour the warm sauce over. During colder months, serve alongside roasted root vegetables for a cozy meal. Add a pinch of chili flakes in spring for a subtle heat complementing the honey.

A plate of rice with chicken and sauce.
A plate of rice with chicken and sauce. | veganrecipesbysarah.com

This recipe balances quick prep with rich flavor, making it a reliable favorite for weeknight dinners.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the key to a crispy crust on the chicken?

Coating the chicken lightly in flour before searing creates a golden, crispy crust that helps the sauce cling better.

→ Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?

Yes, this sauce works well with beef, pork, lamb, prawns, shrimp, or firm tofu by adjusting cooking times appropriately.

→ Which type of soy sauce is recommended?

Use light or all-purpose soy sauce to maintain balanced flavor; avoid dark soy sauce as it can overpower the dish.

→ How do I adjust for gluten-free cooking?

Replace the flour with cornstarch or cornflour for a gluten-free coating, though browning might be less even.

→ What sides pair well with honey garlic chicken breast?

Serve alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or noodles to complement the sweet and savory sauce.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Tender chicken breast cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce with garlic, butter, and soy for a quick meal.

Preparation Time
4 mins
Time to Cook
8 mins
Total Duration
12 mins
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Perfect for Beginners

Type of Cuisine: Western

Yields: 4 Number of People Served

Dietary Needs: ~

Ingredients List

→ Protein

01 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 pieces)

→ Seasoning

02 Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Coating

03 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

→ Sauce

04 3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)
05 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
07 1 tbsp light soy sauce
08 1/3 cup honey

How to Make It

Step 01

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin steaks. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Pour flour into a shallow dish. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 03

Heat most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat, reserving about 1 teaspoon for later. Add chicken to the skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes until golden, then flip and cook the other side for 1 minute.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium-high. Move chicken to the side, add minced garlic and reserved butter. Stir briefly until butter melts. Add apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or gently shake skillet to combine.

Step 05

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 1 minute until slightly thickened. Turn chicken to coat in sauce; if sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water.

Step 06

Remove skillet from heat immediately. Plate the chicken and spoon remaining sauce over the top.

Extra Tips

  1. For gluten-free option, substitute flour with cornstarch. The crust may brown unevenly but taste remains excellent.
  2. Use light or all-purpose soy sauce; avoid dark soy sauce as it can overpower the flavor.
  3. This honey garlic sauce pairs well with various proteins such as pork, beef, lamb, shrimp, tofu, or fish. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Shallow dish
  • Knife

Allergy Information

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult your doctor if needed.
  • Contains soy and gluten (unless gluten-free flour used)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutritional info is provided for reference and isn’t a replacement for medical advice.
  • Calories: 323
  • Fat Content: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 23 grams
  • Protein Content: 28 grams