Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken

This Honey Garlic Chicken is the perfect easy weeknight meal. It gives you tons of that addicting sweet and savory flavor and is made all in just one skillet. This recipe is one to keep handy when you have chicken breast in the fridge!

this Recipe

One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and savory has always been one of my favorite flavor combinations. There is just something about the sweet and salty combo that keeps you wanting more!

This Honey Garlic Chicken may be super easy to make all in just one pan, but doesn’t disappoint! The delicious, tender chicken flavors are sweetened naturally with honey and the simplest of ingredients to make a perfect easy meal.

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken

This chicken is a great because it has one of those classic flavors that can go well with almost anything. I like to serve this right over mashed potatoes and with a salad or veggie, but you can serve it with many side dishes for a great, wholesome meal.

Here are some of our favorites!

Side Dish Ideas

• Mashed Potatoes (or if you don’t want mashed, try these oven baked smashed potatoes or this hashbrown casserole)
• Steamed broccoli
• Oven Baked Asparagus – Family favorite!
• Pasta – or zoodles for the carb conscious!
• Wild Rice
• Corn Casserole
• Garlic Green Beans

This should get you on your way to a filling meal, but if you have another side you love to serve Honey Garlic Chicken with, please let me know in the comments so I can give it a try!

Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken

The best part of this recipe (besides how tasty it is!) is that the whole dish is made in just one pan. It is easy as promised, but I am going to walk through a few tips with you to answer any questions that may come up along the way!

1. Mix the chicken broth, honey, garlic, salt and pepper together with a whisk until the honey is dissolved and everything is evenly combined.
   • You can do this right in the container you will marinate the chicken in to save dishes!
2. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they are half the thickness (butterfly.)

   Place them in a covered container or zip top bag and pour the honey mixture over them to coat.  Let rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

   • This is a very important step!  Make sure that you cut your chicken breasts in half or so that they are no thicker than 1/2 inch thick.

     Since we are cooking the chicken completely in a pan, it will need to be on the thin side so that it will cook evenly and all the way through.

   • Let the chicken marinate for around 15 minutes. You can use this time to start your side dish.
3. Heat the olive oil over high in a large skillet.  Use tongs, to place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes.

   If there is not enough room to do a single layer, cook the chicken in 2 separate batches so they do not overlap. 

   Flip each chicken breast over and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until there is a sear on the bottom, then pour the remaining honey mixture into the pan and bring to a boil and let cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.

   • Make sure the oil is hot when you start. since this will help the chicken to get that beautiful (and tasty) golden coating on the outside.
   • You will want to cook the chicken until it is just done. Over cooking the chicken will make it tough and/or dry. It doesn’t take long with thin chicken breasts!
   • Boiling the sauce down creates the delicious honey coating packed with flavor!  You can cook it until get gets to the thickness you want. It will also continue to thicken a bit as it cools.

Honey Garlic Chicken FAQ’s

Can I use chicken thighs, or other cuts of meat to make Honey Garlic Chicken?

Yes!  You can use any boneless, skinless variety of chicken for this dish including chicken thighs, and chicken tenderloins. The cooking time may change depending on the size of the meat.

Can I make this the night before?

If you want to prepare the Honey Garlic Chicken ahead of time, you can let the chicken sit in the marinade for up to overnight with good results.

Can I freeze Honey Garlic Chicken?

Yes! This recipe is freezer friendly!

To freeze before cooking:

1. Prepare as directed up through step two.
2. Freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to a month.
3. When ready to make, defrost completely and continue at step 3.

To freeze after cooking:

1. Prepare as directed and cool completely.
2. Package chicken and sauce in an airtight container.
3. Place in freezer for up to a month.
4. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or skillet.

Honey Garlic Chicken Leftover Recipes

• Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls– On a bed of rice, place chopped honey garlic chicken, and your favorite chopped veggies such as red bell pepper, zucchini, chopped onion, celery, etc. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Sandwich– Place sliced chicken on a slice of nice, crusty, bread. Add goat cheese, arugula or spinach, and tomato slices.
• Honey Garlic Chicken lettuce wraps– Chop honey garlic chicken and mix with green onions, chopped red bell pepper, and water chestnuts. Serve in cups of butter lettuce. 

Do you have more EASY Dinner recipes?

Absolutely! If you enjoyed this recipe, I would be so happy for you to try more of the meals my family loves!  Here are a few of our favorites:

• Creamy Chicken and Asparagus
• Tortellini Salad
• Garlic Steak Skillet
• Easy Cajun Chicken
• or find all of our Chicken recipes here!

Skillet Honey Garlic Chicken

By: Kimber Matherne

4.34 from 3 votes

This simple Honey Garlic Chicken is super delicious and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand, in just one pan. Tender chicken breasts are nestled in sweet honey garlic sauce for a perfectly delicious dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Marinating Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

6 servings

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 2 lbs chicken breasts, boneless skinless
• ▢ 1/2 cup chicken broth
• ▢ 1/4 cup honey
• ▢ 4 cloves garlic , pressed
• ▢ 1/2 tsp salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions 

• Mix the chicken broth, honey, garlic, salt and pepper together with a whisk until the honey is dissolved and everything is evenly combined.
• Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they are half the thickness (butterfly.) Place them in a covered container or zip top bag and pour the honey mixture over them to coat.  Let rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.
• Heat the olive oil over high in a large skillet.  Use tongs, to place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes. If there is not enough room to do a single layer, cook the chicken in 2 separate batches so they do not overlap. Flip each chicken breast over and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until there is a sear on the bottom, then pour the remaining honey mixture into the pan and bring to a boil and let cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken.
• Remove from heat and serve warm spooning additional sauce over top.  Enjoy!

Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @easyfamilyrecipes!

Recipe Notes

• You can cut the chicken in half, chunks, or use chicken tenderloins in lieu of full chicken breasts to cooking quicker.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to a month.

Dietary Considerations:

This recipe is naturally

• Gluten free
• Dairy free

Please check all packages of products bought to ensure compliance.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 5oz, Calories: 240kcal (12%), Carbohydrates: 12g (4%), Protein: 32g (64%), Fat: 6g (9%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Cholesterol: 97mg (32%), Sodium: 442mg (19%), Potassium: 590mg (17%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 12g (13%), Vitamin A: 45IU (1%), Vitamin C: 3.8mg (5%), Calcium: 11mg (1%), Iron: 0.7mg (4%)