Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken – A Sweet & Savory Delight

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This honey garlic glazed chicken recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and umami flavors, making it an irresistible dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs are seared to perfection, then coated in a rich, sticky glaze infused with garlic, honey, and soy sauce, resulting in a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. Serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete dish that will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic creates a deep, irresistible flavor.
  • Quick & Easy – This dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
  • Versatile – Works well with chicken breasts, thighs, or even drumsticks, and pairs with various sides.
  • Perfectly Caramelized Glaze – The sauce thickens into a sticky, golden coating that clings to the chicken beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

For the Honey Garlic Glaze:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes, spooning the glaze over the top continuously.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Serving Suggestions

This honey garlic chicken pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed Rice – Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes – A creamy contrast to the sticky glaze.
  • Roasted Vegetables – A healthy and colorful side option.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken

  • Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness – Chicken thighs tend to stay moist and tender.
  • Double the Sauce – If you love extra glaze, double the sauce ingredients.
  • Let the Sauce Thicken – Simmering allows the glaze to caramelize and cling better to the chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, basting with the glaze halfway through.

Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can omit them for a milder version.

Conclusion

This honey garlic glazed chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Whether you serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, it’s a meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Try it tonight and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your home!

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