Honey Garlic Chicken Breast : 30-Min Quick Dinner Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Ready for a restaurant-quality meal that’s both quick and comforting? This Honey Garlic Chicken Breast takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish and delivers on flavor, texture, and simplicity. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or new baked chicken recipes to add variety to your rotation, you’ll love the sweet-savory glaze and minimal prep.

Table of Contents

Ingredient List

Below is what you’ll need plus a few helpful affiliate tools for even better results.

IngredientAmount
Chicken breast500g / 1 lb (2 pieces)
Salt and pepperTo taste
Flour1/4 cup
Unsalted butter / Olive oil3 1/2 tbsp (50g) / 2 1/2 tbsp
Garlic cloves2, minced
Apple cider vinegar1 1/2 tbsp
Soy sauce1 tbsp
Honey1/3 cup

Optional affiliate equipment you may find helpful for prep:

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally, yielding 4 thin steaks. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Place flour in a shallow dish. Coat chicken steaks in flour, shaking off excess.
  3. Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat (reserve about 1 tsp for later).
  4. Add chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden. Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute.
  5. Lower heat slightly to medium-high. Push chicken aside to make room in the pan.
  6. Add garlic and reserved butter. Stir garlic briefly as butter melts.
  7. Pour in vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  8. Turn chicken pieces to coat in sauce. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water.
  9. Remove pan from heat. Serve chicken with sauce drizzled over the top.

For perfect results, use a digital kitchen scale (Shop here), mixing bowls (Shop here), and a reliable frying pan (Shop here).

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Expert Tips

  • Use apple cider vinegar for a tangy finish, but white or clear vinegar works in a pinch.
  • Try swapping honey for maple syrup to change up the flavor profile.
  • For ultra-smooth garlic, use a garlic press (affiliate link).
  • Prefer olive oil for a lighter alternative to butter.
  • Easily double the recipe for meal prep!
  • Shred leftovers for sandwiches or wraps.

FAQ

Can I bake instead of skillet-cook?
Absolutely bake at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, using a lined baking sheet (affiliate link).

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work and offer richer flavor.

Is this gluten-free?
Substitute rice flour for wheat flour and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.

How do I avoid tough chicken?
Do not overcook; remove as soon as internal temp reaches 165°F.

Can I use an air fryer?
Definitely! Try an air fryer (affiliate link) for an even crispier finish.

Equipment List

Print

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast : 30-Min Quick Dinner Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Tender chicken breasts seared and glazed in a garlic-honey sauce for 30-min dinner perfection.

  • Author: Sara
  • Prep Time: 10m
  • Cook Time: 20m
  • Total Time: 30m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

500g / 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless (2 pieces)

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup flour

3 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter (or 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp soy sauce

1/3 cup honey

Instructions

1. Cut the breasts in half horizontally to create 4 steaks in total. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper.

2. Place flour in a shallow dish. Coat chicken in flour and shake off excess.

3. Melt most of the butter in a large skillet over high heat – hold back about 1 tsp for later.

4. Place chicken in skillet and cook for 2 – 3 minutes until golden. Turn and cook the other side for 1 minute.

5. Turn heat down slightly to medium high.

6. Make a bit of room in the pan and add garlic and top with remaining dab of butter. Stir garlic briefly once butter melts.

7. Add vinegar, soy sauce and honey. Stir / shake pan to combine. Bring sauce to simmer, then simmer for 1 minute or until slightly thickened.

8. Turn chicken to coat in sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a touch of water and stir.

9. Remove from stove immediately. Place chicken on plates and drizzle over remaining sauce.

Notes

Substitute thighs for breasts for more flavor. For gluten-free, use rice flour and tamari.

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any image to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star