Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Juicy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with tender, lean chicken breasts glazed in a honey garlic sauce. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, delivering a comforting and impressive meal that stays juicy every time.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for cooking
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by lightly pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. This blend is your flavorful glaze that seals in juiciness.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour half the sauce over them. Let them marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor without breaking down the texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the chicken on each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, pouring the remaining sauce over near the end to caramelize slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This ensures every bite stays incredibly juicy and tender.
Notes
- Even Thickness: Pounding chicken breasts helps them cook uniformly, preventing dry edges.
- Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic instead of powder for a vibrant, punchy flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F internally to keep it moist.
- Sauce Caramelization: Add the glaze at the end to create a beautiful sticky coating without burning.
- Rest Time: Let the meat rest before slicing to lock in juices and improve tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, juicy chicken breasts, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, weeknight dinner