Honey garlic chicken breast is a very simple and easy cook chicken dish. The main ingredient here is the chicken breast of course and the rest of the ingredients are also few and simple. In fact you might find them all in your refrigerator and kitchen pantry. But if some of the ingredients are not available, you can easily find it in your local supermarket.
This chicken dish is sweet because of the honey but I’m sure you will like it. The side dish is also very simple and you will just need canned or frozen corn kernels and a piece of chopped carrot. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables or you can cook mashed potatoes or coleslaw. It is so versatile that it is only limited by your imagination!
A Simple Dish with a Sweet Twist
This recipe is all about balance. You get the succulent texture of the chicken, lightly crisped from frying, paired with the sweetness of honey and the warmth of sautéed garlic. The ingredients are straightforward, making this dish ideal for beginner cooks. Chicken breast is a great choice here as it cooks quickly and stays juicy when done right. However, the star of the show is the honey-garlic sauce, which brings everything together in a glossy, sticky coating that’s hard to resist.
Even if you’re new to cooking, you won’t need to worry about any complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Most of what you need might already be in your kitchen. Flour, butter, garlic, honey, and, of course, chicken breast come together in a delightful medley of flavors. And if you find yourself missing any ingredients, you’ll likely find them easily at your local grocery store.
Cooking the Chicken: A Quick Fry for a Perfect Sear
Preparing the chicken is a breeze. The chicken breasts are lightly scored to allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply. This simple technique helps create a more flavorful dish without much extra effort. After coating the chicken in flour, it’s time to fry it in butter or margarine until it achieves a lovely golden-brown crust.
Cooking the chicken just right is essential. You want a nice, even browning on both sides while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The key is using medium heat, ensuring the chicken cooks through without burning. Once browned, a quick seasoning of salt and pepper rounds out the flavor.
The Magic of Honey and Garlic
Once the chicken is browned, the real magic happens with the sauce. After setting the chicken aside, sauté minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and golden. The garlic infuses the sauce with a warmth that complements the sweetness of the honey, creating a balance of flavors.
Adding honey into the pan transforms the dish. As it simmers and thickens, the honey creates a syrupy sauce that sticks to the chicken, giving it that signature sweet and savory glaze. Flipping the chicken a few times in the sauce ensures every inch of the fillet is coated. The result is a beautifully glazed piece of chicken that looks just as good as it tastes.
Versatile Sides to Complete the Meal
One of the best things about this honey-garlic chicken recipe is its versatility when it comes to sides. In the recipe, buttered corn and carrots are suggested, which make for a quick and easy complement to the sweet and savory chicken. You can make this side dish in just minutes by sautéing corn kernels and chopped carrots in a little butter. The simple sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the honey in the chicken sauce, and the slight crunch of the carrots adds a nice texture contrast.
But you’re not limited to just this option. Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a medley of roasted vegetables would work just as well. This dish is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative with your sides based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys.
A Dish with Roots in Asian Cuisine
Honey garlic chicken has its roots in various Asian cuisines, where the combination of sweet and savory ingredients is commonly used to enhance the natural flavors of meat. While the version presented here is simple and geared toward beginner cooks, the idea of pairing honey with garlic can be found in many Chinese and Korean dishes. Traditionally, these flavors might be used in marinades or stir-fries, often featuring ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, or sesame oil to add layers of complexity.
Our version focuses on the core ingredients of honey and garlic, keeping the preparation light and the flavors clean, while still delivering that irresistible contrast of sweetness and savory depth.
Make it Your Own
The beauty of a dish like this is that it’s highly adaptable. While this recipe uses chicken breast, you can easily swap in other cuts of chicken, like thighs or drumsticks, for a slightly richer flavor. You could also experiment with additional seasonings or herbs, like a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat or a dash of soy sauce for an extra umami kick.
If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, you could also reduce the butter or margarine used for frying or swap it for a plant-based alternative. And when it comes to sides, the possibilities are endless. Try serving the dish with a fresh salad, a bed of steamed rice, or even over a plate of noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This honey garlic chicken recipe is the perfect go-to for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s beginner-friendly, uses simple ingredients, and delivers on flavor in a big way. Whether you’re looking to impress your family with a homemade meal or just want something easy to whip up after a long day, this dish fits the bill. With its sweet, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a regular on your weekly menu.
How to Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 3 pcs chicken breast fillet
- 3 Tbsp. honey
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 5 to 6 cloves garlic minced
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- chopped spring onion for garnishing
For the side dish
- 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 small carrot chopped
- 3/4 cup frozen or canned corn kernels
Instructions
How to Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Score the the chicken fillet about half an inch apart. Score the fillet creating a mesh design.
- Put flour on a deep plate and dredge the chicken fillet until all sides are coated with the flour.
- Heat 3 Tbsp. of butter or margarine in a frying pan. Put the chicken fillet in the pan and fry it in medium heat until all sides are brown.
- When the chicken is brown season with salt and pepper then set it aside the pan and add garlic and saute until fragrant.
- Add honey and stir. Let it simmer until the sauce is reduced to half and very thick.
- Flip the fillet a few times until it is well coated with the sauce. Garnish it with chopped onion and serve hot with the side dish (buttered corn and carrots)
- To make the side dish, heat pan and melt 1 Tbsp. of butter or margarine. Add the corn kernels and chopped carrots and stir for 3 minutes in medium low heat.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
Perfectly Tender Chicken
To ensure your chicken breast stays tender and juicy, start by pounding it to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out. Always cook it over medium heat to avoid burning the honey garlic sauce before the chicken is fully cooked.Balancing the Flavors
For a well-balanced sauce, taste and adjust the sweetness and saltiness as you cook. If the honey is too overpowering, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Conversely, if it’s too tangy, a bit more honey can help achieve the right balance.Glaze It Right
To get a glossy glaze on your chicken, simmer the sauce until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Brush the reduced sauce over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to caramelize it. Be careful not to add the sauce too early, as it can burn and become bitter.
