Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 pieces); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup flour; 3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or any clear vinegar); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (light or all-purpose); 1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)

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This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a quick and easy main dish that delivers big flavor with minimal ingredients. Juicy, golden-seared chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce that clings beautifully to each bite thanks to a light flour coating. It’s a 12-minute recipe that tastes like it took all day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity, speed, and irresistible flavor. The flour crust gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and creates the perfect surface for the glossy sauce to cling to. It’s sweet from the honey, tangy from vinegar, and savory from soy sauce—balanced by the richness of butter and garlic. Great for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe can also be adapted for beef, prawns, tofu, and more.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

500g / 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (2 pieces)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup flour
3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white/clear vinegar)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
1/3 cup honey (or maple syrup)

Directions

Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create four thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each piece of chicken, shaking off the excess.
Heat a large skillet over high heat and melt most of the butter, reserving about 1 teaspoon for later.
Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes on the first side until golden. Flip and cook the second side for 1 more minute.
Lower the heat slightly to medium-high. Make a little space in the pan and add the minced garlic and the remaining butter. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
Pour in the vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir or shake the pan to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 1 minute until slightly thickened.
Turn the chicken in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
Remove from heat. Plate the chicken and drizzle with the remaining sauce from the skillet.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 4 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 12 minutes

Variations

Protein swaps: Try this sauce with thin-cut beef, lamb, prawns, or tofu.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha.
Ginger flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic.
Citrus twist: Replace vinegar with lemon juice for a bright, zesty variation.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust the cook time as needed since they may take slightly longer.

Why coat the chicken in flour?

The flour creates a light crust that helps the sauce stick and gives the chicken a beautiful golden color.

Can I make this without butter?

Yes, olive oil or a neutral cooking oil works. Butter, however, adds richness and flavor to the sauce.

What can I serve with honey garlic chicken?

Try rice, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh green salad.

Is this dish very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness from honey, offset by soy sauce and vinegar. Adjust the honey amount if you prefer it less sweet.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. If you love extra sauce for rice or veggies, double the sauce ingredients and simmer a little longer.

Can I prep this in advance?

You can prep the chicken and sauce ingredients ahead of time, but cook just before serving for best results.

What if the sauce thickens too much?

Add a tablespoon or two of water while stirring over low heat to loosen it up.

Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?

For best results and caramelization, pan-searing is ideal. Baking may not achieve the same sauce consistency.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a thermometer—the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). Or cut into the thickest part to ensure it’s white and juicy.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is proof that fast and simple recipes can be incredibly flavorful. With just a few pantry staples, you get a restaurant-quality dish in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a quick meal for one, this chicken recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.