Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is a sweet and savory Chinese-inspired dish made with either chicken breast or thighs, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. This homemade meal bursts with flavor and is perfect for either lunch or dinner. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, American

Diet Halal

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings Pieces

Calories 448

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

For Flour Coating

2 lb Chicken Breast boneless and skinless
1 cup All Purpose Flour
¼ cup Cornstarch
½ tsp Chili Powder
½ tsp Ginger Powder
½ tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp Pepper Powder
½ tsp Salt

For Honey Garlic Chicken

3 tbsp Oil
2 tbsp Garlic minced
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tsp Chili Flakes
1 tsp Vinegar
3 tbsp Honey
Salt to taste
3 tbsp Water

For Garnishing

Sesame Seeds
Cilantro

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Flour Coating Chicken

In a wide tray, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, chili powder, ginger powder, garlic powder, pepper powder, and salt until well combined.
Dredge each piece of chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next piece.

Frying the Chicken

Place a pan over medium heat and add oil. Wait until the oil is hot, then carefully place the flour-coated chicken breasts in the pan. Fry them for 3 to 5 minutes on one side.
Turn the chicken breasts over and continue frying for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Once fried, remove the chicken breasts from the pan and set them aside on a plate for later use.

Making Honey Garlic Chicken

In the same pan with the remaining oil, add minced garlic and sauté until it is fragrant but not browned, forming the flavor base for your sauce.
Add soy sauce, chili flakes, vinegar, and honey to the pan, along with a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the honey dissolves completely and the flavors meld together.
Pour in water and mix thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil to allow the flavors to intensify as the sauce reduces slightly.
Add the fried chicken breasts to the pan. Use a spoon to baste them with the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This step allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Stir occasionally and watch as the sauce thickens to a glossy, rich consistency that coats the chicken.
Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds over the chicken. Once done, remove the pan from the heat. Your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken is now ready to savor and enjoy.

Serving

Enjoy this sweet and savory Honey Garlic Chicken with rice, roasted broccoli, roasted green beans, or your preferred sides for a satisfying lunch or dinner. For more pairing ideas, check out our Serving Suggestions section below.

Notes

Here are my tips to make the perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Breast just the way you like it:

Chicken Options: I typically use chicken breast for a leaner option, but for those who enjoy a richer flavor, boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. Both cuts are excellent for absorbing the honey garlic sauce.
Garlic Prep: Opt for freshly minced garlic over jarred garlic to achieve the best flavor. Fresh garlic offers a more potent and vibrant taste that can truly elevate your dish. Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing, as this can drastically alter the flavor.
Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce as it simmers. This will help thicken the sauce so it clings better to the chicken.
Balancing Flavors: Depending on your taste preferences, adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more honey or a splash more vinegar. This allows you to fine-tune the sauce to perfectly match your desired flavor profile.
Resting the Chicken: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This pause helps the juices settle back into the meat, ensuring that your chicken stays moist and full of flavor.
Garnishing: Add a finishing touch with some chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of cilantro. This not only adds color but also a layer of fresh flavor that complements the savory-sweet sauce.
Cooking Methods: Adapt this recipe to your favorite cooking method! Pan-frying offers a quick and easy way to achieve a golden crust. For a healthier option, baking or air-frying reduces the amount of oil needed while still delivering a crispy exterior.
Baking Instructions: When baking, ensure your oven is preheated to 450°F. Place the flour-coated chicken on a baking tray and cook for 15-18 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F, guaranteeing the chicken is safely cooked through.
Air Fryer Method: For those who prefer a crunchier texture, the air fryer is perfect. Cook the chicken at 360°F for 15-20 minutes. This method also allows for less oil use, making it a healthier choice.

Nutrition

Visit the Recipe

Want to view the full post? Simply scan the QR code with your camera and tap the link.