Scrumptious Honey Garlic Chicken

Category: Satisfying Entrées for Any Occasion

Bake up juicy chicken breasts covered in a sticky honey garlic sauce. That sweet honey, salty soy sauce, and loads of garlic come together for awesome flavor. It bakes up tender in about half an hour, and the glossy sauce clings to every bite. Olive oil and black pepper just make it tastier and keep things simple. Stir up some rice or toss veggies in the oven to go along, and dinner’s good to go. Leftovers heat up well, so don’t worry if you make extra.

Dana
Updated on Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:24:14 GMT
A plate of food with a sauce. Pin
A plate of food with a sauce. | chefsnaps.com

Savory and sweet all at the same time, this honey garlic chicken is a hit with both adventurous eaters and picky folks. You can have it ready fast, but it tastes like you spent forever cooking. You’ll use stuff you probably already have at home, and once it’s in the oven, you barely have to touch it. I whip this up for busy nights or anytime guests show up without warning.

I came across this dish when I had some friends drop by unexpectedly and needed something quick. Now, my family keeps asking for it over and over.

Tasty Ingredients

  • Salt and pepper: brighten up the flavors and cut down on the sweetness just sprinkle and adjust to your liking
  • Olive oil: gives the chicken nice browning and blends the sauce try extra virgin for more flavor
  • Garlic minced: adds bold flavor and smells amazing chop it up fine for the best taste
  • Soy sauce: brings a punch of umami and salt go gluten free if needed or try low sodium
  • Honey: gives everything its sticky sweetness and helps make those caramelized edges use raw for a deeper taste
  • Chicken breasts: quick to bake and juicy when cooked right, pick organic if you can for the best bite

Simple Step-by-Step

Rest and Plate:
Once it’s out, wait 5 minutes so the juices settle then slice or keep it whole and spoon that extra sauce on top
Bake Away:
Put your baking dish on the oven’s center rack and cook uncovered twenty-five to thirty minutes, or until the chicken hits 165 Fahrenheit in the thickest part, spoon some sauce over halfway through for a boost
Get It In the Pan:
Lay out your chicken flat in the dish then pour the honey garlic sauce right over everything make sure every piece soaks it up, use a spoon if you need to
Spice Up the Chicken:
Dab the chicken dry using paper towels, then sprinkle both sides with a bit of salt and pepper and gently rub so it sticks
Stir Up the Sauce:
Grab a small bowl and mix together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil until it looks shiny and smooth this is your sweet-savory marinade
Fire Up the Oven:
Turn your oven on to 375 F, or 190 C, and make sure it gets fully hot before you start
A plate of chicken wings with sticky sauce. Pin
A plate of chicken wings with sticky sauce. | chefsnaps.com

The best thing has to be how the honey caramelizes along the sides—those sticky golden bits are snapped up first at my table. Every time I make this it reminds me of hosting my first solo dinner, and not a single plate had leftovers.

Keeping It Fresh

Let the chicken totally cool before you pop it in a sealed container. It stays good in your fridge up to three days. Warm it up either loosely covered in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water so it doesn’t get dry.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you want juicier meat, use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Try maple syrup for a new sweet touch. No need for gluten free? Go for regular soy sauce, or use coconut aminos if you want no soy at all.

Yummy Serving Ideas

A plateful of saucy food ready to dig in. Pin
A plateful of saucy food ready to dig in. | chefsnaps.com

Dole this out over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice and add green beans or broccoli on the side. Roasted potatoes also go really well for something cozy. If you like it lighter, chop up leftovers and toss with greens and drizzle on extra sauce.

How It Started

This honey garlic chicken mixes old-school flavors from both Chinese and Western food. The sticky, sweet, savory combo reminds me of my favorite takeout, but it’s super simple for home cooking. My family’s loved this style of meal for years!

Recipe FAQs

→ What's the trick to keeping chicken from getting dry?

Take the chicken out once it’s just cooked, then let it sit a minute before you slice so those juices stay put.

→ Are chicken thighs okay to use instead of breasts?

Go for thighs if you want more moisture and flavor. You might need to cook them a bit longer or shorter, so watch them.

→ Got suggestions for what goes well with honey garlic chicken?

Toss it next to mashed potatoes, a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or a pile of steamed rice—whatever sounds good to you.

→ Is it possible to make it less or more sweet?

Totally—just add or hold back some honey until it tastes right for you.

→ How do I keep leftovers fresh?

Let the chicken cool down, pop it in a sealed container, then stash it in the fridge. Warm it up nice and slow so it stays juicy.

→ Is this dish safe if I need gluten to stay away?

Just double-check your soy sauce is gluten-free. If everything else fits, you’re all set for a gluten-free meal.

Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken breasts get baked in a sweet garlic-honey mix. Tasty, easy, and you’ll be done in 40 minutes or less.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
By: Dana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: International

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Honey Garlic Marinade

01 Salt as much as you’d like
02 60 ml soy sauce
03 15 ml olive oil
04 3 cloves garlic, chopped up
05 Freshly cracked black pepper as much as you want
06 120 ml honey

→ Main Ingredients

07 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Steps

Step 01

Pop the chicken out of the oven, let it rest a bit, then serve it while still warm.

Step 02

Stick the dish in the oven and cook until the chicken’s done all the way through, around 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 03

Drizzle that honey garlic mix over all the chicken breasts, making sure it covers them.

Step 04

Lay your chicken into the baking dish, keeping the pieces in a single row.

Step 05

Sprinkle some black pepper and salt on the chicken breasts.

Step 06

Mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and olive oil in a bowl, then stir it all up until it looks smooth.

Step 07

Crank the oven up to 190°C, let it get nice and hot first.

Notes

  1. Tweak the amount of honey if you want it sweeter or less sweet.
  2. Pairs great with veggies cooked quickly in a pan or with steamed rice.
  3. Keep any extras in a sealed container in the fridge if you don't finish it all.

Required Tools

  • Baking dish
  • Knife
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • There’s soy in here (from the soy sauce)

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These details are for reference purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Protein: 20 g