Healthy Chicken With Honey Garlic Glaze

Name: Healthy Chicken With Honey Garlic Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Clean & Healthy

I love cooking up this Healthy Chicken With Honey Garlic Glaze because it perfectly balances health and flavor. The honey brings a gentle sweetness that plays beautifully against the savory garlic, making it a dish the whole family enjoys. Cooking chicken this way keeps it tender and juicy, and I’ve found that marinating for just 30 minutes amplifies the flavor without requiring too much time. It’s a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:40:42.593Z

Every time I make this Healthy Chicken With Honey Garlic Glaze, I’m reminded of how simple cooking can produce delightful results. The method of mixing honey, soy sauce, and garlic not only enhances the chicken but also turns it into a flavorful sauce that I could enjoy with anything! I always make extra to drizzle over some steamed veggies.

What surprised me was how quickly this dish comes together. With just 30 minutes of marinating time and 20 minutes to cook, it’s ideal for busy weeknights. I also love using fresh garlic as it imparts a wonderful aroma and taste.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A deliciously sweet glaze that complements the chicken perfectly
Quick and easy to prepare, making it a weeknight favorite
Healthy ingredients that don’t skimp on flavor

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in developing the flavors of this dish. The honey and soy sauce not only infuse sweetness and umami but also help tenderize the chicken. I recommend allowing it to marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, if time allows, marinating for up to two hours can intensify the flavor even more. Just ensure to keep the chicken refrigerated during this time to maintain food safety.

When combining your marinade, whisk the ingredients vigorously until the honey is fully dissolved. This ensures that the glaze will coat the chicken evenly, resulting in a beautifully caramelized exterior when cooked. Don’t skip this step, as a well-blended marinade contributes not only to taste but also to a visually appealing glaze that glistens as it cooks.

Cooking Techniques for Juicy Chicken

Cooking at the right temperature is key to achieving juicy chicken. Preheat your non-stick skillet over medium heat, which typically ranges from 300°F to 350°F (150°C to 175°C). This temperature allows the chicken to sear properly, creating that enticing glaze without drying it out. Monitor the chicken closely, flipping every 6-7 minutes and watching for the meat to turn golden brown with a glossy finish.

To check for doneness, use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you find the glaze starts to darken too much before the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat slightly. This will help prevent burning while ensuring the chicken remains perfectly tender inside.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, which complements the sweetness of the glaze. If you’re a fan of grains, fluffy quinoa or brown rice absorb the extra sauce beautifully and add heartiness to the dish.

For a twist, you can incorporate different ingredients into the marinade. Try adding a splash of sesame oil for a nutty flavor, or mixing in some fresh ginger for a hint of spiciness. Additionally, if you want to make this dish gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which delivers a similar depth of flavor without the gluten.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a delicious chicken dish.

Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and place in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice glaze. Remove from heat.

Serve

Slice the chicken and serve with your choice of sides. Drizzle any leftover sauce over the top and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Enjoy your homemade healthy chicken dish!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the marinade. It enhances the glaze and adds a tangy kick.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Healthy Chicken With Honey Garlic Glaze is perfect for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken a day in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply take it out, and it will be packed with flavor, making dinner even quicker to prepare.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, aim for low heat on the stovetop to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. Adding a bit of water or extra sauce can help maintain moisture during reheating, ensuring each bite remains juicy and flavorful.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your honey garlic glaze isn’t thickening as expected, consider simmering the leftover marinade in the skillet for a few minutes after removing the chicken. This not only thickens the sauce but also enhances its flavor by concentrating the ingredients further. Be cautious, though; keep stirring to prevent burning.

Sometimes the chicken can cook unevenly. To avoid this, try pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This simple step helps them cook more uniformly, ensuring a tender result that isn’t overly dry in any portion.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. For every additional two chicken breasts, simply double the marinade ingredients to maintain the flavor balance. A larger batch can also be grilled or baked if that’s your preferred cooking method, with only slight adjustments in cooking time needed.

If you're preparing the chicken for a crowd, consider skewering pieces of the marinated chicken for even cooking on the grill. This method also provides a wonderful presentation, perfect for casual gatherings or barbecues while keeping the dish fun and accessible.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add more flavor and remain juicy.

→ What can I serve with this chicken?

It's great with steamed vegetables, brown rice, or a fresh salad.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Absolutely! Just make sure to freeze it before cooking for best results.