Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe
If you love dishes that bring together sweet and savory flavors with a touch of elegance, this Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need in your cooking rotation. It’s a quick, straightforward way to enjoy juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts bathed in a luscious honey glaze that perfectly balances garlic, soy, and a hint of tangy vinegar. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of flavors that feels both comforting and impressive enough for company. Whether a busy weeknight or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is your ticket to a satisfying meal that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe are simple and easily found in most kitchens, but each one plays a crucial role. From the savory punch of soy sauce to the natural sweetness of honey, these elements combine to create a dish that’s bursting with layers of flavor, vibrant color, and just the right texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a tender, juicy base that soaks up the glaze beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken without sticking.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, velvety finish to the glaze and a deep flavor dimension.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, savory kick that complements the sweetness in the glaze.
- 1/3 cup honey: The star sweetener, lending that irresistible glaze and sticky texture.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a savory umami depth while keeping sodium in check.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and brightens the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle hint of heat that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright color and herbaceous note that complements the glaze.
How to Make Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning step is crucial because it lays the groundwork for all the other flavors to shine through later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. This slow sear develops a gorgeous golden crust that locks in the juices, ensuring the chicken stays tender and moist.
Step 3: Set Chicken Aside and Prepare the Glaze
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to medium, then add the butter to the same pan. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step infuses the butter with a rich aroma that will elevate the glaze.
Step 4: Craft the Honey Glaze
To the garlic butter, stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly. You’ll notice it transforming into a glossy, sticky sauce that’s bursting with layers of flavor.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and generously spoon the honey glaze over the top. Let them cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the glaze and develop that irresistible sticky coating. Be sure to flip once to coat both sides evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the glazed chicken to add a pop of vibrant green, freshness, and a hint of herbal brightness. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its most flavorful and succulent.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for color—its mild, herbaceous flavor beautifully cuts through the sweet glaze, adding brightness that balances the richness. You can also add a few lemon wedges to squeeze over the top for an extra zesty kick.
Side Dishes
This honey glazed chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the extra sauce. Think fluffy steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a crisp, fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the glaze’s sweetness and bring lovely texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of quinoa or couscous tossed with fresh herbs and toasted nuts. Another idea is to arrange the chicken on a long platter surrounded by colorful roasted vegetables, making a stunning centerpiece for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place your leftover honey glazed chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making delicious leftovers for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delightful dish longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken with the glaze. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze if needed. This helps keep the chicken moist and prevents the sauce from becoming too thick or sticky.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy, but you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy-free alternative, tamari or coconut aminos make excellent substitutes. They provide similar umami depth without the soy, keeping the glaze delicious and balanced.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make a plant-based version, try using firm tofu or cauliflower steaks instead of chicken. The honey glaze can be swapped for maple syrup or agave nectar, and you’ll still get the lovely sweet-savory flavor this recipe is famous for.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness and savory notes without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer no heat, simply leave them out, and your glaze will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and cooking it over medium-high heat to get a golden crust is key. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and avoid flipping the chicken too frequently. Resting the chicken a few minutes off the heat also helps retain juices.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels both special and wonderfully approachable. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but still impressive, and just as great for entertaining friends or family. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that your whole household will ask for again and again!
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Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Glazed Chicken Skillet recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey glaze. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and flavorful dinner option that combines savory garlic, honey sweetness, and a hint of spice, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, allowing it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Create the Honey Glaze: Pour in honey, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly into a glaze.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the honey glaze over them, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For spicier glaze, increase crushed red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt content, but regular soy sauce can be used if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
