Looking for a quick and tasty dinner that the whole family will love? Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast is the answer! This recipe has tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce and baked to perfection. It’s super easy to whip up on busy weeknights and goes great with veggies or a side of rice for a complete, satisfying meal. Get ready to enjoy a delicious, wholesome dinner with barely any effort – your family’s new favorite is just a bake away!
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Why This Recipe Works
- You’ll love Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast because it’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night.
- Tender chicken infused with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce pairs beautifully with veggies or rice, making it an effortless, crowd-pleasing dinner!
🥘 Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when baked.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and helps create a delicious glaze.
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic depth to the dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Contributes a sharp, tangy flavor and balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat, which can be adjusted to taste.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Citrus Honey Marinade: Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of fresh orange juice, lemon zest, honey, butter, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard, then bake until tender for a tangy, sweet, and flavorful dish.
- Double Crunch Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts: Dredge seasoned chicken breasts in flour, dip in beaten eggs, coat with panko breadcrumbs, fry until golden, then bake with the honey garlic sauce for an extra crispy texture.
🔪 How To Cook Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Step One: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken and place in a foil-lined baking pan. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter on low-medium heat. Once melted, add the garlic, honey, mustard, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
Step Two: Pour the mixture on top of the chicken and place in the oven for approximately 30 minutes. Halfway through, remove chicken from the oven and baste with the sauce. Start to check the chicken for around 25 minutes for doneness. Chicken is cooked when it reaches 165 degrees F. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the chicken breasts in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a more vibrant and robust flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the thighs are fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, season and coat the chicken with honey garlic sauce, air fry for 10-12 minutes flipping halfway through until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then brush with additional sauce and let rest before serving.
To thicken the honey garlic sauce, you can make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Add this mixture to the sauce and cook over medium heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
After cooking, let the chicken breasts cool to room temperature within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
Store the cooled chicken breasts in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
Place the container in the refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C). Use within 3-4 days for optimal quality and safety.
For longer storage, place the cooked chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for the best quality.
Thaw frozen cooked chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Avoid leaving them at room temperature to prevent potential bacterial growth.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Pair Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast With These side dishes:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and hearty accompaniment that pairs well with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
- Steamed Rice: A simple side of steamed white or brown rice absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce, making it a perfect complement to the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a healthy and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken dish.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice offer a crisp and flavorful side.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully while keeping the meal light.
- Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing provides a fresh and crunchy side.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic chicken.
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Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 8 ounces each
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes more if you want extra heat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degree F.
- Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken and place in a foil lined baking pan.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter on low - medium heat.
- Once melted, add the garlic, honey, mustard and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture on top of the chicken and place in the oven for approximately 30 minutes.
- Halfway through, remove chicken from the oven and baste with the sauce.
- Start to check chicken around 25 minutes for doneness. Chicken is cooked when it reaches 165 degrees F. Cooking time will vary based on size of chicken.
