If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s equal parts savory, sweet, and downright irresistible, Garlic Chicken with Honey is about to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection and coated in a glossy, garlicky honey sauce that comes together in minutes. It’s the kind of dish that smells amazing from the very first sizzle in the pan, lights up your taste buds, and earns you happy requests for seconds—every single time.

Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Garlic Chicken with Honey is just how simple the ingredient list is, yet every item plays a starring role in creating that magical balance of flavor. The gentle sweetness, the garlicky kick, the salty undertones, and the beautiful golden hue all come together thanks to these kitchen staples.

Olive oil: For a flavorful, crisp sear that helps the chicken brown beautifully.
Butter: Adds a rich, velvety finish and helps carry the flavors in the sauce.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Tender and lean, perfect for soaking up all the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the chicken, giving it that signature golden crust and helping thicken the sauce later.
Garlic (6 cloves, thinly sliced): The true star—using fresh garlic really makes the flavor pop.
Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the whole dish.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness and creates that irresistible sticky glaze.
Kosher salt: For building layers of flavor—use sparingly since soy sauce is salty.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
Thinly sliced green onion: The perfect garnish for a pop of color and fresh, mild onion flavor.

How to Make Garlic Chicken with Honey

Step 1: Heat Your Pan

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. This magical duo is what gives the chicken its beautiful golden color and luscious flavor, setting the stage for the rest of your Garlic Chicken with Honey.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with 4 thinner pieces. This not only helps them cook more evenly but also ensures every bite gets coated in that sticky, garlicky sauce.

Step 3: Season & Dredge

Generously season the chicken on all sides with kosher salt and plenty of fresh cracked pepper. Next, dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. This simple step locks in juices and creates the perfect base for a crisp, golden crust.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Gently lay the dredged chicken pieces into the hot pan. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, letting a gorgeous crust develop outside while the inside stays tender. Once nearly cooked through, set the chicken aside on a plate to rest.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Sauce

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same pan, reducing the heat to medium-low. When the butter starts to foam, pile in those thin slices of garlic. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds—just until fragrant. Garlic cooks fast, so don’t let it brown!

Step 6: Build the Honey Glaze

Pour in the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, using a spoon to scrape up all the yummy browned bits from the bottom. Add in the honey, a small pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer over medium-low heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Finish & Warm Through

Return the chicken and any collected juices to the pan, tossing to coat every piece in the sticky, garlicky honey sauce. Warm the chicken through for about a minute, making sure everything is beautifully glazed and tempting.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Pull the pan off the heat and sprinkle your Garlic Chicken with Honey with plenty of thinly sliced green onions. The fresh, sharp bite of onion adds a perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Honey

Garnishes

For the prettiest presentation and a fresh bite, shower your Garlic Chicken with Honey with a generous handful of thinly sliced green onions. A pinch of sesame seeds or a fine thread of chili can take the color and texture to the next level, too. Serve with lemon wedges for a burst of zing if you want to brighten the flavors even more!

Side Dishes

This dish begs for something to soak up every last bit of that sticky sauce. Fluffy steamed white or jasmine rice is classic, but don’t hesitate to pile it onto a plate of garlicky mashed potatoes or roasted veggies. For a lighter touch, go with a sesame cucumber salad or some steamed broccoli on the side—the possibilities are endless.

Creative Ways to Present

If you feel like putting a fun spin on Garlic Chicken with Honey, slice the chicken and tuck it into lettuce wraps, stuff into soft bao buns, or pile onto a hearty grain bowl with colorful veggies. For party appetizers, cube the chicken and secure with toothpicks for an irresistible finger food. Your guests will swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any remaining Garlic Chicken with Honey, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors will deepen as the chicken soaks up even more of that luscious sauce overnight.

Freezing

Garlic Chicken with Honey also freezes beautifully! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. You can freeze it safely for up to 2 months. Just allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add the chicken and sauce to a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until everything is warmed through and the sauce is silky again. A splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in a pinch, but the stovetop is best for restoring that fresh-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well, delivering an even juicier and more flavorful Garlic Chicken with Honey. Your cooking time might increase by a few minutes, but follow the visual cues for doneness and go for that golden crust.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply switch out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free (or use tamari instead). You’ll still get that crave-worthy texture and glossy sauce.

What if I don’t have seasoned rice vinegar?

No worries! You can substitute with regular rice vinegar or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch. If your vinegar is a bit too sharp, add a tiny dash of sugar to mimic the gentle sweetness of the seasoned version.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, Garlic Chicken with Honey isn’t spicy at all—the pepper gives just a suggestion of heat. If you want more kick, add red pepper flakes, a drizzle of chili oil, or even a sprinkle of sriracha when serving for a little heat.

Can I double the sauce for serving with rice?

Yes, doubling the sauce ingredients is a great idea if you love an extra-saucy dish or want plenty to drizzle over your rice, noodles, or veggies. Just simmer the sauce a bit longer to ensure it thickens nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Chicken with Honey truly hits that sweet spot—easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for company, and so addictively flavorful you’ll want to make it again and again. Grab those simple pantry ingredients and treat yourself to a delicious homemade dinner that’s always a hit!

Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-vegetarian

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this savory-sweet Garlic Chicken with Honey recipe. Tender chicken breast cooked to golden perfection, coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce – a perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan. Slice chicken breast in half lengthwise. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
Cook the Chicken: Cook chicken in the pan until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Melt remaining butter, add garlic, cook until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with soy sauce and vinegar. Add honey, pepper, and salt. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Finish the Dish: Add chicken back to the pan, cook until warmed through. Garnish with green onions.

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey to suit your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Garlic Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken with Garlic Sauce