Name: Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar; 1/3 cup honey; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Thinly sliced green onion for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Garlic Chicken with Honey is absolute weeknight magic: juicy chicken bathed in a garlicky, sticky-sweet, and utterly irresistible glaze that clings to every bite. The star flavors of garlic and honey come together with splashes of soy sauce and a kick of vinegar to create a glossy, restaurant-style finish—right at home. You probably have most of the ingredients already, which makes this a zero-fuss recipe you’ll want to repeat again and again. This flavorful dish is a surefire way to impress your loved ones and make weeknight dinners memorable.

Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Chicken with Honey lies in its craveable combination of everyday ingredients. Each one pulls its weight—adding savor, sweetness, or the perfect golden crust—so don’t skip the details below!

Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken for extra flavor and a golden exterior.
Butter (divided): Adds richness and depth both for browning the chicken and creating that silky, glazy sauce.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, these will soak up all the delicious sauce.
All-purpose flour: A quick dredge helps the chicken crust up beautifully and also thickens the sauce later on.
Fresh garlic (6 cloves, thinly sliced): Don’t be shy—this is the aromatic backbone of the dish.
Soy sauce: Brings bold umami and balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
Honey: Goes in for sticky sweetness and that signature glossy finish.
Kosher salt: Season to taste and enhance all the other flavors.
Fresh cracked pepper: For a little bite and mellow warmth in the sauce.
Thinly sliced green onion (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to every plate.

How to Make Garlic Chicken with Honey

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. While things are warming up, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner fillets—this helps them cook evenly and soak up more flavor. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper, then dredge the chicken in flour so each piece has a light, even coating. Once the pan is shimmering, lay the chicken in gently and cook on each side for about 4-5 minutes until they’ve developed a beautiful golden crust and are nearly cooked through. Set the browned chicken aside on a plate—you’ll add it back soon.

Step 2: Make Garlicky Essence

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to your hot pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low; this step prevents the garlic from burning. Once the butter is melted and foaming a bit, add the six cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Stir frequently for 30-60 seconds, just until the garlic blooms fragrance and softens without taking on any color. This gentle saute is the secret to mellow, aromatic garlic flavor in your Garlic Chicken with Honey.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, swirling and scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step deglazes the pan beautifully, ensuring all those tasty bits end up in your sauce. Now add your honey, followed by a couple pinches of fresh cracked pepper and a small pinch of salt. Stir to combine—the sauce will take on a glossy look and amazing aroma.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Let the sauce gently simmer over medium-low heat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces slightly and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Slide your chicken breasts and any juices that collected back into the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Continue to heat everything together for another minute or two, just until the chicken is warmed through and well-glazed in that golden, sticky sauce. Your Garlic Chicken with Honey is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Honey

Garnishes

Top off each serving of Garlic Chicken with Honey with a shower of sliced green onions for color and a satisfying crunch. If you want an extra-fancy touch, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a light scatter of chili flakes will add some visual appeal and subtle heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also bring a nice pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

This savory-sweet chicken pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice. Roasted or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, green beans, or bok choy, balance out the sweet sauce and add vibrant color to your plate. Garlic Chicken with Honey also works wonderfully with nutty quinoa or a light green salad if you’re looking for a lighter meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and mound it over rice bowls, drizzling on extra sauce. You can also tuck it into lettuce wraps for a hands-on, interactive meal. If you’re feeling playful, use the chicken as a high-protein topping for an Asian-inspired noodle salad and toss some extra sauce right into the noodles for even more flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Garlic Chicken with Honey completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, so leftovers are often even better the next day!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Garlic Chicken with Honey for longer storage. Arrange cooled chicken pieces and sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container—be sure to remove as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat Garlic Chicken with Honey in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid high heat, which can toughen the chicken. You can also microwave portions on medium, covered, stirring halfway through to ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and richness to Garlic Chicken with Honey. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed so the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Is there a substitute for seasoned rice vinegar?

If you don’t have seasoned rice vinegar, you can use plain rice vinegar and add a pinch of sugar, or substitute with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different but still delicious tang in the sauce.

Can I make Garlic Chicken with Honey gluten free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and be sure you’re using a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The recipe will turn out just as sticky, glossy, and irresistible.

Does this dish taste very sweet?

The honey gives the sauce a subtle sweetness, but the soy sauce and vinegar balance it out beautifully. You can always adjust the amount of honey up or down to suit your taste preferences. Start with a little less and add more after tasting, if desired.

What other vegetables could I add?

You can throw in quick-cooking veggies like snap peas, sliced carrots, or bell peppers right after the garlic, just before you add the liquids. They’ll pick up the flavors of the sauce and make Garlic Chicken with Honey a complete one-pan meal!

Final Thoughts

If your dinner routine needs a little excitement, Garlic Chicken with Honey is the easy yet utterly delicious answer! It’s so simple to pull together but tastes like a true treat. Don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request at your table—give it a try and prepare to savor every sticky, garlicky bite.

Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and easy-to-make recipe for Garlic Chicken with Honey that combines savory and sweet flavors in a delicious dish.

Instructions

Heat the Pan: 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 to create 4 thinner pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
Cook Chicken: Cook chicken in the pan until golden brown on each side and nearly cooked through. Set aside.
Make Garlic Sauce: Melt remaining butter in the pan. Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add soy sauce, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Simmer Sauce: Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened. Add chicken back to the pan and cook until warmed through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions before serving.