Honey Glazed Chicken

Honey Glazed Chicken is a go-to comfort meal that feels fancy without the all-day effort. Imagine juicy chicken cooked to golden perfection and coated in a sweet-yet-savory honey glaze. It’s like restaurant-quality dining at home but in less time than it takes to finish your favorite TV show. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or impressing your friends at a weekend gathering, this recipe is simple yet unforgettable. The combo of sticky honey, a hint of garlic, and tender chicken creates a taste you won’t forget. Ready to wow your dinner table?

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About The Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

Let’s talk about Honey Glazed Chicken—a dish so great, it deserves its own fan club. If someone handed you this meal without telling you, you’d think they spent hours in the kitchen. But the secret here? It’s super easy. This recipe brings together the magic of honey, the kick of fresh garlic, and tender, juicy chicken pieces. Some people say it reminds them of those tasty meals you get in a nice restaurant, the ones where you secretly wish you could figure out how to recreate them at home. Spoiler alert: now you can! A great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can pair it with rice, salad, roasted veggies, or even just eat it as-is. And bonus—it doesn’t take a full day of cooking to pull it together. Let’s not forget why honey-glazed anything is such a beloved classic. Honey adds natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully, while the garlic and seasonings ensure it’s not overwhelming or one-note. Trust us—your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Quick and easy dinner solution for any day of the week
  • Family-friendly and kid-approved
  • Can be made with pantry staples
  • Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer lean meat.
  • Honey: The star of the glaze! You can swap it with maple syrup for a different twist.
  • Soy sauce: Adds a touch of saltiness and umami. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced works best, but garlic powder could work in a pinch.
  • Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps with browning. Any neutral cooking oil will also work.
  • Optional herbs: Fresh or dried thyme or rosemary can add an earthy note to the dish.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

  • Combine the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
  • Pour the honey mixture over the chicken and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Occasionally spoon the glaze over the chicken as it cooks to make sure it’s evenly coated.
  • Once the glaze thickens and turns sticky, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking.
Don’t rush the simmering process—letting the glaze cook down slowly gives it that rich, sticky consistency.
If the glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Pat the chicken dry before cooking for better browning.
Serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Variations and Customizations

Love a little heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the honey mixture. Want to try a different protein? You could easily swap the chicken for pork chops or even salmon. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, stick to low-sodium soy sauce and skip any extra salt. Feeling fancy? Garnish your dish with sesame seeds or fresh parsley for that final touch!

Nutritional Information

This Honey Glazed Chicken dish is a nice balance of indulgence and nutrient value. Each serving (depending on portion size) may clock in around 300-400 calories. It’s also packed with protein from the chicken, delivering 25-30 grams per serving. The honey glaze adds a bit of sweetness while keeping the fat content relatively low if you use olive oil. Using chicken breasts makes the dish lower in fat, while thighs bring more richness. Remember to keep portion sizes in mind if you’re watching calories or carbs, as honey does add some natural sugars.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Not a problem! Store your Honey Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the glaze’s sticky consistency. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the glaze gets too thick when reheating. You can also warm it in the microwave—just make sure to cover it to avoid drying out the chicken.

Recipe Card of Honey Glazed Chicken

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Alicia Smith
Savor the delightful taste of honey chicken, crafted with tender pan-seared chicken breast pieces drenched in a luscious, sticky-sweet glaze of honey, soy sauce, and just a hint of red pepper for a bit of extra zest.
Honey Glazed Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 179 kcal

Ingredients list
  

  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 0.125 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
Honey Glazed Chicken recipe ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions
 

  • Begin by assembling all of your ingredients.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes; set aside for later use.
  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring constantly, until it's light brown – about 5 minutes.
  • Pour the prepared honey mixture into the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, approximately another 5 minutes.
  • Dish up while hot, and enjoy the tasty creation!

Notes

Best enjoyed with a side of steamed rice or freshly cooked vegetables, enhancing the sweet and savory notes of the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 179kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 13gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 481mgSugar: 18g
Keyword chicken, glazed chicken, honey chicken
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All Your Questions About This Recipe

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and glaze it ahead of time. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer! The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Absolutely! Maple syrup or even brown sugar can work well if you’re out of honey.

What should I serve with Honey Glazed Chicken?

Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this dish.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and glaze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat over low heat.

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