Name: Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar; 1/3 cup honey; Thinly sliced green onion, for garnish

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If you are on the hunt for a dish that bursts with flavor yet feels comforting and easy to prepare, this Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe is exactly what you need. The perfect blend of savory garlic, sticky-sweet honey, and a hint of tang from rice vinegar creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings beautifully to tender, golden-brown chicken. Every bite delivers a harmony of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds! It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with guests, making this recipe an absolute keeper in your cooking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate at the bottom right with three raw chicken pieces that are pale pink and smooth. Surrounding the plate on a white marbled surface are six small white bowls. The top left bowl has thinly sliced garlic that is light cream with a soft texture. Next to it on the right is a bowl with a yellow square of butter floating in clear olive oil. Below those, there is a bowl with dark brown soy sauce in the center. To the right of the soy sauce is a bowl holding a small amount of white flour with a powdery texture. Below the soy sauce bowl is a bowl with golden honey that looks thick and sticky. At the top right near the flour bowl is a bowl with creamy white liquid, smooth in texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe is carefully chosen to elevate the dish’s flavor while keeping things straightforward. From the richness of butter to the natural sweetness of honey, every element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity base for sautéing, helping to develop a beautiful crust on the chicken.
2 tablespoons butter, divided: Brings richness and helps to brown the chicken and cook the garlic gently.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light coating for the chicken to develop a crispy crust.
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Infuses the sauce with its distinct, aromatic punch.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a savory umami depth to balance the sweetness.
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang that brightens the entire dish.
1/3 cup honey: Offers luscious sweetness that creates the signature glaze.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ flavors naturally.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
Thinly sliced green onion for garnish: Provides a fresh, crisp contrast and color pop.

How to Make Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces; this method helps the chicken cook evenly and faster. Season each piece generously with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper, then dredge them lightly in all-purpose flour. This step is crucial as it forms the golden crust that locks in juices and ensures that mouthwatering texture.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust and are nearly cooked through. Don’t rush this step—the color and texture you build here make a huge difference. Once done, set the chicken aside, keeping those flavorful pan drippings close.

Step 3: Craft the Garlic Honey Sauce

Using the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. When the butter foams, add the garlic slices and stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds—just until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. Next, deglaze the pan with the soy sauce and seasoned rice vinegar, scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Finally, stir in the honey along with a pinch of salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, forming a luscious glaze.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece in the rich, aromatic sauce. Let it cook together for another minute or so until warmed through, ensuring every bite is infused with that irresistible sweet-garlic flavor. You’re almost there—this step melds the sauce and chicken perfectly.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe

Four golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken lay in a white deep pan with handles on both sides. The chicken is covered with a dark brown sauce that looks thick and shiny. Small slices of browned garlic are scattered on top of the chicken and mixed in the sauce. The sauce partially coats the pan’s bottom, showing darker and lighter spots where the sauce is thin. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches make a meal memorable. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the garlic chicken to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant splash of color that brightens the entire plate. These little green pops offer a wonderful contrast to the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice or fluffy mashed potatoes, which soak up every last bit of that heavenly honey garlic sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus also complement the dish perfectly, adding a crisp, fresh balance to the hearty protein.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering the chicken over a bed of quinoa or couscous mixed with fresh herbs and lemon zest. You can even serve it on a platter with grilled pineapple slices or avocado for a tropical-inspired meal that will wow your guests and keep everyone coming back for more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover garlic chicken with honey into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy weekdays when you want a quick, wholesome meal.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers safely by wrapping portions tightly or placing them in freezer-safe containers. When stored correctly, the garlic chicken maintains its flavor and tenderness for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the integrity of the sauce and chicken intact.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as slow reheating preserves the texture of the chicken and prevents the sauce from becoming too sticky or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a substitute for seasoned rice vinegar?

If you don’t have seasoned rice vinegar, a mix of plain rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar and salt works well. You can also use apple cider vinegar as a last resort but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken and substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

How do I avoid burning the garlic when cooking the sauce?

Cook the garlic over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Garlic cooks quickly and can go from fragrant to bitter in seconds, so keep a close eye on it and remove from heat as soon as you smell its aroma.

Can I double the sauce to have extra for dipping?

Definitely! You can double the sauce ingredients and simmer longer to thicken it up. This extra sauce is delicious for dipping or drizzling over veggies and rice alongside the chicken.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish never fails to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and savory notes wrapped around tender, juicy chicken. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal that everyone asks for again and again!

Garlic Chicken with Honey Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need