Honey Garlic Chicken

why make this recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken is an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight dish that balances sweet and savory in a sticky, garlicky sauce. It requires minimal prep, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables — perfect when you want big flavor with little fuss.

introduction

This baked Honey Garlic Chicken recipe yields juicy chicken breasts glazed in a glossy honey-soy sauce infused with fresh garlic and a touch of sesame oil. It’s fast to prepare, forgiving for home cooks, and makes great leftovers for lunches or meal prep.

how to make Honey Garlic Chicken

Follow a simple whisk-and-bake method: combine the sauce, season the chicken, pour the mixture over the breasts, and roast until cooked through. The oven does the work, producing tender chicken and a concentrated sauce that can be spooned over rice or steamed greens.

Ingredients :

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup pure honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil until combined.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish and pour the honey garlic sauce over the top.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve over rice or alongside vegetables.

how to serve Honey Garlic Chicken

Serve sliced over steamed white or brown rice so the sauce can soak in. It’s also excellent with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted broccoli, green beans, or a crisp cucumber salad. Finish with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you like.

how to store Honey Garlic Chicken

Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat; add a splash of water or extra honey-soy sauce if the glaze has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze portions (without rice) for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Honey Garlic Chicken

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder won’t give the same brightness.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove the chicken after baking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until reduced, then pour back over the chicken.
• Taste the sauce before baking and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding a bit more honey or vinegar as needed.
• For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

variation (if any)

• Make it stove-top: Sear chicken breasts in a skillet, then pour the sauce over and simmer until cooked through and sauce thickens.
• Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for more tender, forgiving meat.
• Add vegetables (sliced bell peppers, snap peas) to the baking dish for a one-pan meal; adjust cooking time so vegetables stay crisp-tender.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Thaw completely before baking to ensure even cooking. Cooking from frozen will increase bake time and may dry the exterior before the center is done.

Q: Is low-sodium soy sauce necessary?
A: It helps control saltiness, but you can use regular soy sauce and reduce added table salt when seasoning the chicken.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes — substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Conclusion

For a reliable, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s both simple and satisfying, this Honey Garlic Chicken hits the mark — and you can find a slightly different take and additional tips at Honey Garlic Chicken Breast – RecipeTin Eats.