Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken is a quick 12-minute meal featuring a magical 5-ingredient garlic honey sauce! It’s a fantastic choice for busy nights and requires ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of simple ingredients creates a sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
TIP: Feel free to swap out the chicken for beef, pork, shrimp, tofu, or even lamb to suit your preferences!
Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken Breast
This recipe transforms the classic Honey Garlic Salmon into a quick and delicious chicken dish, becoming an instant favorite!
Garlic Honey Sauce is one of my all-time favorite go-to sauces, thanks to its simplicity. Made with pantry staples, it quickly turns into a syrupy glaze that makes any protein unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking chicken, shrimp, or pork, this sauce creates a magical combination that’s easy to love.
Easy Chicken Breast Recipe
Even though chicken thighs are often my go-to for juicy, flavorful cuts of meat, chicken breasts remain a regular part of my week. This Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken is one of my most repeated recipes. It’s quick, easy, and has the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors—ideal for when you’re short on time!
What You Need
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and pantry-friendly, meaning you won’t need to run out to get anything special. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen!
How to Make Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken Breast
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice your chicken breasts into thinner cutlets for quicker cooking.
- Coat with Flour: Lightly dust the chicken with flour to help the sauce stick and create a light crispy crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat, and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown.
- Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is nearly cooked, pour in the garlic honey sauce made with butter, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and honey. Stir and let the sauce thicken.
- Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and coated with the sauce, serve with your favorite side dishes. It’s that simple!
For a grilled version, try this Grilled Honey Soy Chicken recipe for a smoky alternative.
What to Serve with Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken Breast
The sauce is so flavorful, you’ll want to drizzle it over your sides too. It pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, tossed with a bit of lemon, parsley, and seasoning. You can also serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
This garlic honey sauce has a wonderfully versatile flavor. Though it uses soy sauce, it doesn’t have a distinctly Asian profile, making it a perfect pairing with fried rice, macaroni salad, or even mac and cheese. Yes, it works with mac and cheese! Don’t knock it until you try it—this meal is ready in just 12 minutes, so you have no excuse not to
Pro Tips for Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken
- Use Fresh Garlic
For the best flavor, use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced garlic. Fresh garlic has a sharper, more aromatic kick that adds depth to the sauce. If you’re a garlic fan, throw in an extra clove or two for extra flavor. - Balance the Sweetness
While honey is the star of this recipe, feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste. Add more honey for a sweeter sauce, or reduce the sweetness and increase the soy sauce or vinegar for a more savory flavor. - Add Acidity for Balance
Adding a small splash of vinegar—either rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar—balances out the honey’s sweetness and adds a layer of complexity to the flavor. The acidity will give the dish a fresh finish. - Opt for Boneless, Skinless Thighs
Though chicken breasts work fine, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. They absorb the sauce more effectively and stay juicier. If you’re using breasts, marinating them ahead of time will help keep them moist. - Sear for Maximum Flavor
For a beautifully crispy exterior, make sure to sear your chicken in a hot pan. The caramelization creates a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey garlic sauce.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. They are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, and they absorb the sauce incredibly well. For best results, use boneless, skinless thighs.
Can I make this dish without soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos, tamari (for a gluten-free version), or Worcestershire sauce for a slightly different flavor. If you choose one of these alternatives, you might want to cut back on the salt in the recipe.
How can I make Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken spicy?
If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes, Sriracha sauce, or chili paste to the sauce. Start with a small amount and increase based on your spice preference.
Can I make Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce together in a pan when you’re ready to serve.
Sweet & Savory Garlic Chicken Recipe Recap
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Servings: 4
Calories: 310 kcal
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets for quicker cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, and flour to make the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Add the Sauce: Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, pour in the garlic honey sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the chicken.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and well coated with the sauce, remove from heat and serve with your favorite side dishes.