If you’re craving a dish that feels comforting yet impressively flavorful, the Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice. This recipe brings together tender, golden chicken cutlets coated in a luscious sauce that balances sweet honey, savory soy, and aromatic garlic. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it results in a dish that’s bursting with rich, layered flavors that will make your weeknight dinners something to look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe just right starts with easy-to-find, essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating its amazing taste and texture. Every element contributes from adding the perfect seasoning to making the sauce gloriously silky and inviting.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Cut into cutlets, these provide tender, juicy protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle heat and depth, seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor throughout, complementing the fresh minced garlic later.
- Flour (for dredging): Creates a light coating that crisps up the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided): Rich and creamy, used for cooking and finishing the sauce with a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Ensures a beautiful golden sear on the chicken without burning the butter.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock: Provides a savory base to the sauce and keeps the dish from being too salty.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely sticky glaze to the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh and pungent, giving the dish that unmistakable warm garlic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, so it clings beautifully to every bite of chicken.
How to Make Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise, creating four thin cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Season them generously with pepper and garlic powder, then coat each piece in flour to form the base that will crisp during cooking. This simple prep sets the stage for juicy, flavorful chicken with a delightful texture.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, allowing them to develop a gorgeous golden color and a slight crust. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and the remaining butter. Returning the pan to the heat, let the mixture bubble gently for a minute or so. This step allows the flavors to meld, and the garlic to become fragrant without burning, which is crucial for that signature taste in this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with one teaspoon of cold water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the bubbling sauce and stir well. The cornstarch will work its magic by thickening the sauce, turning it into a glossy coating that sticks to every bite of chicken, offering that perfect balance of saucy richness and texture.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet, along with any juices accumulated on the plate, to soak up even more flavor. Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking and the chicken is cooked through. Be sure to lower the heat as necessary to avoid overly vigorous bubbling, ensuring a smooth, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to the tender chicken.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or cilantro over the dish to add a pop of color and a fresh, herby aroma. Toasted sesame seeds also make an excellent garnish, providing a subtle crunch that complements the saucy chicken beautifully. These finishing touches elevate the presentation and add layers of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes, both of which soak up the delicious sauce perfectly. For a lighter balance, try serving it alongside sautéed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad. The contrast of textures and flavors makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a special treat, serve the chicken over a bed of garlic-infused noodles or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Layer the chicken with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate, and drizzle extra sauce over everything for that irresistible glossy finish. It’s a great way to impress guests while staying simple and tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper cooling and sealing ensure the flavors remain intact and the sauce stays thick and luscious. This makes it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe by placing cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When freezing, try to separate the chicken pieces slightly so they don’t clump together, making reheating easier later.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or extra broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. This way, each bite remains tender and coated with that signature Honey Garlic Soy Sauce glaze.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more fat and flavor, making the dish even richer. Just adjust cooking times since thighs might take a little longer to cook through compared to cutlets.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for dredging and thickening, and be sure to select a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This will keep the flavors intact while accommodating dietary needs.
How can I make the sauce less sweet?
To balance the sweetness, reduce the honey slightly or add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice. This adds a hint of acidity that brightens up the sauce and keeps it from being overly sweet.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and dredge the chicken up to a day ahead, keeping it refrigerated until ready to cook. However, it’s best to cook the chicken and sauce fresh for the most vibrant flavors and texture.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the chicken?
Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Using both butter and olive oil helps achieve a golden crust without burning, while the flour coating provides the perfect crisp exterior.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe is genuinely a game-changer for easy weeknight dinners or cozy weekend feasts. Its combination of simple ingredients, efficient steps, and bold, comforting flavors makes it a reliable favorite you’ll return to time and time again. Go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you for it!
Print
Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic soy sauce. With a simple skillet method, it’s a quick and delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners, boasting rich flavors from garlic, honey, and soy balanced with buttery goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Season each with pepper and garlic powder, then dredge all sides lightly in flour to ensure a nice crust during cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Sauce Base: Remove the pan from heat momentarily. Add chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Return the pan to medium heat and allow the sauce to bubble gently for about one minute to meld flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the bubbling sauce and stir well to start thickening.
- Finish Cooking: Return the cooked chicken along with any accumulated juices on the plate back into the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes, reducing the heat if necessary, until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked through. Serve the chicken immediately with the rich honey garlic soy sauce poured over.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in soy sauce and garlic before dredging in flour.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to better control salt levels in the dish.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen to your desired consistency.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
