If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful chicken dinner that tastes like takeout but comes together in just 30 minutes, these Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts are baked until juicy and golden, 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 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 flattening the breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly, and adding the sauce partway through baking to prevent burning while still getting that beautiful caramelized finish.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is easy to scale up for meal prep or larger families.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for brushing)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (optional, for coating)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅔ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or small frying pan to gently pound the thick ends of the breasts until they’re roughly the same thickness throughout (about ¾ inch thick). This ensures even cooking and prevents dry, overcooked edges.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. If using flour for a slight crust, dust each breast lightly with flour and shake off the excess. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching or crowded.
Bake the Chicken
Brush the chicken lightly with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes on the middle rack while you prepare the sauce.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is baking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl: honey, chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Add Sauce and Finish Baking
After the chicken has baked for 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The sauce should be thick, glossy, and bubbling around the edges. If the sauce hasn’t thickened enough after 12 minutes, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender chicken. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and spoon the extra sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts
Flatten the chicken to ensure even cooking—this is the most important step for juicy results. Don’t add the sauce at the beginning of baking, as the high sugar content can burn; add it halfway through for the best results. Use fresh garlic instead of jarred for the best flavor. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice work as substitutes. For extra crispy edges, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
Variations and Customizations
Make it on the stovetop by searing flour-dusted chicken in butter, then adding the sauce ingredients and simmering until thickened. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more forgiving meat. Add fresh ginger to the sauce for extra Asian-inspired flavor. Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas directly to the pan in the last 5 minutes for a complete one-pan meal. Make it spicier with sriracha or more red pepper flakes. For a thicker sauce, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of 1.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in lean protein from the chicken (about 40-45 grams per serving), keeping you full and satisfied. The honey provides natural sweetness and quick energy, while the garlic adds immune-boosting properties and minimal calories. The soy sauce contributes umami depth without adding much sodium if you use low-sodium versions. It’s a well-balanced meal that pairs perfectly with vegetables and whole grains.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Best Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts are incredibly photogenic with their glossy, golden glaze and beautiful sheen. The moment when the sauce is poured over the partially cooked chicken and then transforms into a thick, sticky coating makes for satisfying video content, and the “juicy & sweet” hook resonates with viewers looking for easy dinner ideas. 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 fanned out over rice with steamed vegetables. The simplicity and restaurant-quality results make this recipe highly shareable.
Serve this delicious honey garlic chicken with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful chicken has become such a favorite for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
