Description
Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner is a quick and easy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a flavorful balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Its versatility allows for delicious customizations, making it a nutritious and crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
Aromatics & Flavorings
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 2–3 green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Sauce Components
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on each side, about 5 minutes per side, ensuring the inside remains juicy.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat slightly in the same pan. Add minced garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens into a sticky, shiny glaze.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the luscious sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for a burst of color and fresh flavor before plating.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Helps the chicken cook evenly and reduces drying out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed to maintain a crispy crust.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding to the chicken and adjust honey amount to preference.
- Let Sauce Reduce Fully: A thicker glaze sticks better and clings to the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes to lock in juices before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten free chicken recipe, savory sweet chicken, family friendly dinner