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Close-up shows juicy and flavorful Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts, glistening with a rich sauce and ready to be served.

Irresistible Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

This recipe delivers perfectly balanced sweet and savory honey garlic chicken breasts. The secret lies in searing the chicken, controlling the temperature while cooking in the sauce, and using a cornstarch slurry for a glossy glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Large skillet (preferably cast iron)
  • Medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • Meat Thermometer
  • paper towels
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Marinate the chicken in half of the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Reserve the other half of the sauce for cooking.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  5. Pour the reserved honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the skillet with the chicken and sauce.
  7. Stir gently until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinating the chicken is highly recommended for deeper flavor and moisture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Serve over rice, noodles, or your favorite sides. For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.