Description
How to make tender honey garlic chicken breasts with sweet glaze and aromatic herbs that turn weeknight dinners into something special.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Honey Garlic Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Fresh Finishing
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. This ensures uniform cooking and maximum flavor penetration throughout.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and rest.
- Make Glaze: In same pan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar. Simmer 2-3 minutes until fragrant and garlic softens but doesn’t burn.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk cornstarch and water together, then stir into simmering glaze. Cook 1-2 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon perfectly.
- Finish Sauce: Remove from heat and whisk in butter, thyme, and red pepper flakes. The butter creates that glossy, restaurant-quality finish we’re craving.
- Glaze Chicken: Return chicken to pan and spoon glaze over top, turning to coat completely. Let it bubble for 1 minute to marry flavors.
- Serve Hot: Transfer to serving platter and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Drizzle any remaining glaze over chicken before serving immediately.
Notes
- Don’t skip pounding chicken to even thickness; it prevents overcooking.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days in refrigerator.
- Coconut aminos can substitute soy sauce for gluten-free version.
- Serve immediately while glaze is glossy and chicken is hot.
- Double the glaze recipe if you want extra for drizzling over sides.
Allergy Information: Soy, Sesame
Nutrition
- Calories: 285 calories
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 35g