Honey Garlic Chicken

This easy honey garlic chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this baked chicken dish combines sweet and savory flavors with a creamy, thickened sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it pairs well with rice, vegetables, or pasta. A simple homemade dinner option that’s both delicious and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Chopped scallions, optional but recommended

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until combined. Set aside.
3. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
5. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Give the sauce a quick whisk and pour it into the skillet around the chicken. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds, then remove the pan from heat. Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens. Avoid overcooking to prevent burning the sauce.
8. Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce on top and garnishing with chopped scallions if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey garlic chicken combines sweet and savory flavors with a rich, garlicky sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken breasts. It’s a simple, quick recipe that fits well into busy weeknights yet feels special enough for guests.

Tips

• Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken after searing.
• Don’t skip resting the sauce ingredients; whisking well helps blend flavors evenly.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer for best results.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Use maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?
It’s best served fresh but you can prepare the sauce ahead and store separately. Reheat gently with the chicken.

Can I cook this on the stove only?
Yes, cook chicken fully in the skillet and simmer the sauce until thickened, but the oven step adds extra tenderness.

Serving

Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of sautéed vegetables to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Suggestions

Add a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.