Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts offer a delicious balance of tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. Glazed with a honey garlic sauce that perfectly blends sweet and savory, this dish is quick to prepare and makes for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner. It’s an irresistible combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect harmony of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic, creating a sauce that complements the juicy chicken breasts wonderfully. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in 20 minutes. The honey garlic glaze is what makes this dish so special—rich, slightly sweet, and incredibly savory, with just the right amount of tang from Dijon mustard and lemon juice. It’s also versatile and can be served with various sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
1/4 cup honey
-
3 tablespoons soy sauce
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
-
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
-
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
-
Serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Servings and Timing
-
Prep Time: 5 minutes
-
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 20 minutes
-
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
-
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy twist.
-
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken for a one-pan meal.
-
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in the skillet over medium heat, or microwave it in short intervals. You can add a little water or chicken broth to the pan to keep the sauce from becoming too thick while reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs would work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately and reheat them when ready to serve.
3. What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
4. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture.
5. Can I substitute honey with something else?
If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener.
6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
7. Can I make this in the oven instead of the stove?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C), season the chicken, and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Then, pour the sauce over the chicken and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
9. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken it to your desired consistency.
10. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are the perfect balance of flavors—rich, sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic make this dish a real winner. Quick, easy, and full of flavor, it’s a fantastic option for a family meal or weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations or just looking for a quick, delicious dinner, this recipe is the one to try!
Print
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts bring together a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic in a quick and flavorful dish. This easy recipe makes for a delicious weeknight dinner in just 20 minutes. Glazed with a rich honey garlic sauce, it’s tender, juicy, and guaranteed to please your taste buds. Serve it with rice, veggies, or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
-
While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
-
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
-
Serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
-
Variations: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy twist. For a one-pan meal, consider adding bell peppers, onions, or snap peas to the skillet while cooking the chicken.
-
Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as substitutes.
-
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat in a skillet or microwave with a little chicken broth or water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
