Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are fantastic here—no need to slice, just add a few extra minutes per side. They stay juicy and are a bit more forgiving if you get distracted for a minute.

How do I prevent the sauce from turning too thick or burning?

Keep an eye on the heat—medium is your friend when simmering the sauce. If it thickens too much or seems to dry out, just add a splash of water or chicken stock and stir until it loosens up again.

Is there a way to make it less sweet?

Certainly. Reduce the honey slightly and add a bit more soy sauce or vinegar to balance the sweetness. Taste and tweak as you go—personal preference wins every time.

Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste?

Fresh garlic is strongly recommended, as it provides the best flavor and aroma. If you must, use pre-minced garlic, but avoid garlic powder for this step—the sauce really benefits from that bold, fresh garlic taste.

Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 x 250g/9oz Chicken Breasts, preferably brought close to room temp; 35g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 tbsp / 15g Butter; 2 tbsp / 30g Butter; 2 cloves Garlic, finely diced; 80g / 1/4 cup Honey (runny honey recommended); 1 1/2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce; 4 single sprigs Fresh Thyme (optional)

Description

This Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful main course featuring tender chicken breasts enrobed in a glossy, sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it makes an easy and delicious weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 x 250g/9oz Chicken Breasts, preferably brought close to room temp
35g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp / 15g Butter

Sauce

2 tbsp / 30g Butter
2 cloves Garlic, finely diced
80g / 1/4 cup Honey (runny honey recommended)
1 1/2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
4 single sprigs Fresh Thyme (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Horizontally slice both chicken breasts right through the centre to create 4 even-sized breasts. This ensures even cooking and helps keep the chicken juicy.
Dredge the Chicken: In a large shallow dish, combine flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. One by one, thoroughly dredge the chicken breasts through the flour to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess flour and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and fry both sides for a few minutes until golden on the outside and just about cooked through the center. Remove the chicken and place on a plate to one side.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same pan. Add the finely diced garlic and fry for about 30 seconds, careful not to burn it. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Gently simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, achieving a light glossy consistency.
Finish and Serve: Turn the heat to low, return the chicken (including any resting juices) to the pan, and place a sprig of thyme on each breast if using. Baste the chicken in the sauce for about a minute, warming it through. Ensure the sauce is thick enough to cling to the chicken but still drizzle easily; if too thick, add a dash of stock or water to loosen. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be glossy and able to coat the chicken but not too thick. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if it reduces too much.
Use Runny Honey: Ensure your honey is runny to prevent the sauce from clumping.
Alternative Cut: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead; cooking time may vary slightly (about 4-5 minutes per side).
Recipe Inspiration: Adapted from Recipetineats.
Serving Suggestion: Pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1/4 of the sauce
Calories: 305
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 710mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg