Looking for a quick and mouthwatering meal to whip up on busy nights? This Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect answer. Featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a sticky honey garlic sauce, this recipe is packed with bold flavors that are both sweet and savory. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish will elevate your weeknight dinners and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients (US Metrics):
- 4 chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the honey, soy sauce, water, and optional ingredients (rice vinegar, ground ginger, sesame oil) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).
- Enjoy : Serve warm with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
This Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether paired with rice, veggies, or noodles, this dish will become a family favorite for its delicious taste and simplicity. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home!
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs or 680 g
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar optional
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water
- Green onions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the honey, soy sauce, water, and optional ingredients (rice vinegar, ground ginger, sesame oil) to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Coat the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the chicken to soak up the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).
- Enjoy : Serve warm with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.