Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
A simple yet flavorful dish combining honey and garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts lean protein
- to taste Salt and black pepper for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter adds richness
- 5 cloves garlic, minced for flavor
- 1/3 cup honey preferably raw or pure for sweetness
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce for umami flavor
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar adds brightness
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for slurry thickening, optional
- 2 tablespoons water for slurry thickening, optional
- to taste Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
- to serve Cooked rice or steamed vegetables optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove it from the pan and set aside on a plate, keeping it warm.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt fully.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about a minute, or until fragrant.
- Stir in 1/3 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Mix thoroughly.
- If you'd like some heat, add red pepper flakes and stir them into the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, and add this mixture to the skillet, stirring until thickened.
Finishing
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the sauce over them.
- Let them simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the chicken on a plate with additional sauce on top and garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
Serve with rice or vegetables for a complete meal. Ensure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning for a good sear.