If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful chicken dinner that tastes like takeout but comes together in just 20-30 minutes, this Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden and juicy, then smothered in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of vinegar for balance. The result is perfectly cooked chicken with a glossy, sticky glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. This one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
The secret to juicy chicken is slicing the breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly, and lightly coating them in flour so the sauce clings beautifully to every bite.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is easy to scale up for meal prep or larger families.
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-1½ pounds)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter (or 2 tablespoons olive oil)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon water or chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: About 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Prep the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Slice each breast horizontally through the middle to create 4 thinner cutlets of equal thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch thick). This ensures fast, even cooking and juicy results.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using. Coat each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside.
Sear the Chicken
Heat most of the butter (reserve about 1 teaspoon for later) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the flour-coated chicken cutlets in a single layer.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the reserved teaspoon of butter to the same skillet along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, water (or chicken broth), and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken and become glossy.
Coat the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet and turn them to coat completely in the honey garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top of each piece. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water and stir to loosen it.
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for just another minute to heat through and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Serve
Transfer the chicken to serving plates and drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets—this is key for quick cooking and tender, juicy results. Don’t skip the flour coating; it helps create a golden crust and allows the sauce to cling to the chicken. Use fresh minced garlic instead of jarred for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the chicken—remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F internally. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or fresh lemon juice work perfectly as substitutes. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Variations and Customizations
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more forgiving meat that’s harder to overcook. Add fresh ginger to the sauce along with the garlic for extra Asian-inspired flavor. Make it spicier with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. Serve over rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the pan for a complete one-pan meal. For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. Double the sauce if you want extra to drizzle over your sides.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in lean protein from the chicken (about 30-35 grams per serving), keeping you full and satisfied. The honey provides natural sweetness and quick energy, while the garlic adds immune-boosting properties. The flour coating is minimal, and using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the sodium in check. It’s a well-balanced meal that pairs perfectly with vegetables and whole grains for a complete, nutritious dinner.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Quick Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are incredibly photogenic with their glossy, golden glaze that catches the light beautifully. The moment when the chicken is returned to the pan and coated in the thick, sticky sauce makes for satisfying video content, and the “perfect weeknight dinner” hook resonates with busy viewers looking for fast, delicious meals. For Pinterest, focus on close-up shots showing the glossy sauce coating the chicken with sesame seeds and green onions on top, or styled shots with the chicken sliced and served over rice with steamed vegetables. The 20-minute cook time and simple ingredient list make this recipe highly shareable.
Serve this delicious honey garlic chicken with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful chicken has become such a favorite for quick weeknight dinners and meal prep.