Ever had a frantic weeknight when your stomach is actually growling and you think, “Ugh, everything takes too long!” Yeah, that’s where this honey garlic chicken recipe saves the day. It’s fast, uses regular stuff from your kitchen, and seriously hits that sweet-and-savory craving. If you want even more ideas, check out all these honey garlic chicken thighs. Or hey, air fryer folks, these honey butter garlic chicken tenders are bizarrely addictive. This is real-deal weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. 
Terrific quick chicken breast recipe
Let me just say it right here: I used to think “quick” meant bland or boring. Not with this one. The honey garlic chicken recipe makes you feel (okay, almost) like you’re dining at a fancy joint—except you’re in pj’s at home. It’s got that beautiful sticky glaze from the honey, tang from garlic, and, if we’re being honest, a little buttery magic. FYI, you can use chicken breasts or thighs—the classic honey garlic chicken works either way.
What I love most? No weird ingredients or steps you forget halfway through. Seriously, one pan, simple steps, and it totally impresses people (might’ve fibbed about how “hard” it was once or twice). It’s also pretty forgiving, like if your timing is off or you walk away for two minutes—you’ll still end up with something craveable.
Side note, my cousin tried this for the first time last Saturday and literally licked her plate. I rest my case.
“I made this for my picky teens and they asked for seconds! The balance between the sweetness and garlic was *chef’s kiss*. Plus, I didn’t even break a sweat. Would absolutely recommend!” — Jane S.
What you need
Alright, let’s break it down. No, you don’t need anything weird from a fancy grocery store. That’s a promise.
You’ll need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4-5 chicken thighs, honestly, I take whatever’s in the fridge)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced up (more if you basically run on garlic like me)
- 1/4 cup runny honey (the good stuff, but any honey works)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (I mean, it’s not optional, but okay, skip if you must)
- Salt & black pepper
- Bit of oil (if you’ve got olive oil, great, any kind honestly)
Just basic stuff, right? Forget the fancy.
How to make Honey Garlic Chicken
Okay, so here’s my real-life version. I won’t pretend I follow exact measurements every single time, but it still slaps (as my nephew would say).
Start off seasoning your chicken well with salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a pan (medium heat is good), then toss in your chicken. Let it get golden on one side—seriously, don’t poke it too much—then flip it. Once both sides are nicely browned, slide chicken out for a sec.
Now, throw in the butter and garlic. Let that cook up until you smell all that garlicky goodness—don’t let it burn though, sharp eye! Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring everything together and let it bubble for a minute or so.
Chicken goes back in, cook till the sauce thickens just enough to stick to the chicken (it gets all glossy and inviting). That’s it. Easy, right? The hardest part is not eating it straight out of the pan.
Sneaky tip: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash of water solves everything.
What to serve with Honey Garlic Chicken
Now, the fun part—putting it on the table. Don’t overthink it, but here’s what works (and what my family doesn’t complain about):
- Steamed white or jasmine rice soaks up all that extra sauce.
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots—makes you feel virtuous.
- Noodles (if you need all the carbs—no judgment!).
- A sprinkle of green onions on top for a restaurant-y vibe.
Honestly, pair it with whatever you need to use up. Sometimes I serve it alongside these cheesy garlic chicken wraps or even sneak in some buttery garlic green beans.
Budget-Friendly Recipe Tips!
Cooking on a budget? Oh, you’re in the right spot. This honey garlic chicken recipe doesn’t empty your wallet (hallelujah). Chicken breasts go on sale constantly, but honestly, thighs sometimes taste even better and are cheaper.
Didn’t measure out your honey exactly? No problem, just eyeball and taste. Cheap soy sauce works fine—don’t go all gourmet unless you want. Also, skip the takeout when you can make this at home for way less—plus, you can pronounce all the ingredients.
Extra tip—this is especially good for doubling if you want leftovers. They taste even better on day two (I swear, it’s magic). When you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself with leftovers for lunch, this recipe fits right in with smart shopping and stretched dollars.
Common Questions
Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, actually, thighs stay super juicy and are my top pick if you’re not dead set on breasts.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yep! Let your honey garlic chicken cool off, then stash it in a freezer container. I do this all the time for fast lunches.
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Sort of. It’s not the exact same sauce effect, but I swap steps a bit like in these air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s not spicy at all—unless you toss in some chili flakes (I sometimes do, for grown-up nights).
How do I stop the garlic from burning?
Turn the heat down low before adding garlic. It only needs a quick sizzle, then pour in the honey.
Your New Go-To Chicken Dinner
Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time I heard, “Wow, how did you make honey garlic chicken this good?” I’d probably stop buying store sauce for good. This honey garlic chicken recipe just plain works when you’re after quick flavor—no chef school required. For extra inspiration, see what folks like RecipeTin Eats and Family Food on the Table suggest, or dive into Budget Bytes’ smart take.
Drop any perfectionism, grab that honey, and just go for it. You’ll look like a five-star pro even if it’s just Tuesday night. 
Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (or 4-5 chicken thighs)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Add more if desired
- ¼ cup honey Runny honey preferred
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Any soy sauce works
- 2 tablespoons butter Optional but recommended
- to taste salt & black pepper For seasoning
- to taste oil Olive oil recommended but any type is fine
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Season the chicken well with salt and pepper.
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the pan and let it brown on one side without moving it.
- Once nicely browned, flip the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the pan once both sides are browned.
Making the Sauce
- In the same pan, add the butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (be careful not to let it burn).
- Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring the mixture together and letting it bubble for about a minute.
- Return the chicken to the pan and cook until the sauce thickens and sticks to the chicken.
Serving Suggestion
- Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or noodles as desired.
