What ingredients do I need to make honey garlic chicken breast?

To make honey garlic chicken breast, gather boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free), unsalted butter or olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option, and honey or maple syrup. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, sticky sauce that complements the tender chicken.

How do I cook chicken breast so it stays juicy and develops a crispy crust?

For juicy chicken with a crispy crust, pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Lightly dust both sides with flour or cornstarch, then sear in a hot skillet with butter or oil until golden brown. This crust helps the sauce cling well. Finish cooking by simmering in the honey garlic sauce until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it stays moist.

Can I make honey garlic chicken using other proteins or make it gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe works well with other proteins like chicken thighs, shrimp, tofu (firm and patted dry), or pork. Adjust cooking times accordingly. For a gluten-free option, replace regular flour with cornstarch or cornflour, and swap soy sauce with tamari. These substitutions retain the recipe’s flavor and texture without gluten.

How long does it take to prepare and cook honey garlic chicken breast?

The recipe typically takes about 12 to 15 minutes total—4 to 5 minutes for prep, which includes pounding and flouring the chicken, and 8 to 10 minutes for cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness, so use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.

What sides pair well with honey garlic chicken breast?

Honey garlic chicken breast pairs nicely with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, steamed white or brown rice, or roasted potatoes. The mild sweetness and savory sauce complement a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish suitable for casual weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

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Ingredients

Scale

500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 pieces)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter or 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (plus 1 teaspoon reserved)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or other clear vinegar
1 tablespoon light or all-purpose soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Cut each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Coat each piece lightly in flour or cornstarch, shaking off excess.
3. Heat most of the butter or oil in a large skillet over high heat, reserving about 1 teaspoon.
4. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and cook for an additional minute.
5. Reduce heat to medium-high, move chicken aside, and add the reserved butter and garlic; stir until fragrant.
6. Add vinegar, soy sauce, and honey; stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
7. Simmer the sauce for about 1 minute until thickened, turning chicken to coat well.
8. If sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of water to loosen.
9. Remove from heat, plate the chicken, and drizzle with remaining sauce.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌿 Dusting chicken with flour creates a light crust that holds sauce well.
🧂 Use light soy sauce to maintain a balanced flavor.
🌶️ Add chili flakes for heat or an Asian twist with garnished sesame seeds.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 4 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing
Cuisine: Asian-American
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 166g
Calories: 323
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 107mg