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Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

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a plate of Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts topped with sesame seeds and green onions
This crispy honey garlic chicken recipe is a blend of sweet and savory, with breaded chicken coated in a tasty sauce thatโ€™s sure to please the whole family!
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Table of Contents
  1. Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. When To Serve
  6. Storage
  7. Why We Love This Recipe
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. More Recipes You’ll Love
  10. JUMP TO RECIPE
  11. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Indulge in our mouthwatering crispy honey garlic chicken. This recipe brings together all the best of flavors in one delicious dish with breaded chicken smothered in a homemade honey garlic sauce.

a plate of Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts topped with sesame seeds and green onions

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Ingredients

Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts raw ingredients that are labeled
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This chicken recipe uses frozen breaded chicken breast filets as the main ingredient, providing a satisfying crunch and a base for the sauce. 

The sauce itself is a blend of creamy butter, robust minced garlic, sweet honey, savory soy sauce, tangy seasoned rice wine vinegar, and nutty sesame oil. 

Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • 4 frozen breaded chicken breast filets, heated according to package directions
  • 2 tablespoons of salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • ⅔ cup of honey
  • 4 tablespoons of water, divided in half
  • 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds, optional garnish
  • Thinly sliced green onions, optional garnish

PRO TIP:

This crispy chicken recipe does not need to use high-end or flavored honey.

A good mild store brand clover, or wildflower, honey works perfectly in this recipe.

Note that if you use flavored honey in this recipe, it will alter the original flavor of this sauce.

Substitutions And Additions

CHICKEN BREAST FILETS: If you prefer a lighter option, you can use grilled chicken breasts instead of breaded ones in this easy recipe.

BUTTER: You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil for a dairy-free version. 

If you use regular (red top) soy sauce, you will want to use unsalted butter in the recipe to avoid making your sauce too salty.

I always use low-sodium soy sauce in cooking, as I like to control the amount of salt in my recipes.

HONEY: If you want a vegan option, you can replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

SOY SAUCE: You can use tamari instead of soy sauce as a gluten-free alternative.

RICE WINE VINEGAR: If you don’t have this on hand, substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. 

Be sure you are using seasoned rice wine vinegar. It contains sugar, making it not as bitter as standard rice vinegar.

Some good substitutes for it are mirin or dry sherry. You’ll want to use a brand you would drink, not sherry vinegar.

All of these options work really well in Asian marinades and sauces.

SESAME OIL: While it adds a distinct flavor, if you’re allergic to sesame or don’t have it on hand, you can use another neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil.

CORNSTARCH: If you want a grain-free thickener, use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch.

GARNISH: Feel free to experiment with other garnishes like chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat.

GARLIC: Another great shortcut is the jars of pre-minced garlic you can find in your grocery store where the fresh garlic is sold.

You can use fresh or jarred minced garlic in this recipe, which will taste great.

SPICE: If you like a little kick of heat in your honey garlic sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the garlic to your saucepan.

How To Make This Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe

With each step, you’ll see how the flavors come together to form this easy dish.

STEP ONE: Heat your frozen breaded chicken breasts according to the package directions.

In this recipe, the chicken was heated according to the packages’ air fryer directions for 18 minutes.

STEP TWO: In a medium saucepan, on medium heat, add the butter and minced garlic.

Allow the butter to melt while the garlic cooks just enough to become fragrant.

PRO TIP:

Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.

STEP THREE: Add the honey, two tablespoons of water, low-sodium soy sauce, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil to the melted butter and garlic.

Allow the mixture to come to a boil.

honey, water, low-sodium soy sauce, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil added to the butter and garlic

STEP FOUR: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining two tablespoons of water and cornstarch to create a slurry. This will thicken the sauce.

STEP FIVE: Once the honey garlic sauce has come to a boil, whisk in the cornstarch slurry to the sauce.

Allow the sauce to come back to a boil and whisk constantly until your sauce starts to thicken. 

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another one to two minutes.

Be sure you are whisking your honey garlic sauce often to prevent burning and clumping.

cornstarch slurry whisked into the sauce

STEP SIX: Once your sauce is thickened up, remove the sauce from the heat. It should coat the back of a spoon.

STEP SEVEN: Once your breaded chicken pieces are done heating up, using tongs, dip one chicken breast into the warm honey garlic sauce. 

chicken breast dipped into the honey garlic sauce

Be sure to completely cover the chicken breast with the sauce, then place the sauce-coated chicken breast onto a serving plate. 

Repeat until you have coated all four of the chicken breasts in the sauce.

STEP EIGHT: Garnish the honey garlic chicken breasts with the optional sesame seeds.

Add thinly sliced green onions, then serve while warm.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

honey garlic chicken breasts garnished with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions

How To Serve

Our crispy honey garlic chicken breasts are a tasty recipe that can be served in a variety of ways for an easy weeknight dinner or lunch. Here are some suggestions: 

The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy brown rice. The rice helps to soak up the extra sauce, ensuring you get a burst of flavor with every bite.

For a balanced meal, serve the chicken with a side of sauteed vegetables or green beans.

The light, fresh flavor of the vegetables complements the rich, robust flavor of the chicken.

For a quick and easy lunch, slice the crunchy chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with fresh lettuce and your favorite dressing.

Add protein to your salad by topping it with slices of honey garlic chicken. The sweet and savory chicken adds a delicious twist to a simple salad.

Make a gourmet sandwich by placing the honey garlic chicken between two slices of your favorite bread.

Add some lettuce, tomatoes, and a spread of mayo for a satisfying meal.

For a few more saucy chicken recipes, our sesame chicken and cashew chicken are two great choices.

When To Serve

FAMILY DINNER: Crispy honey garlic chicken makes for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing family dinner.

GAME DAY SNACK: If you’re hosting a sports-watching party, consider serving bite-sized crispy honey garlic chicken pieces as tasty finger food.

POTLUCK: Bring crispy honey garlic chicken to a potluck or barbecue. It’s a unique and flavorful addition to the usual lineup of dishes.

Storage

Our crispy honey garlic chicken recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

MAKE AHEAD: The sauce for this recipe can be made up to an hour ahead of time.

Simply reheat it on low heat while your chicken is heating through.

If the sauce has thickened too much, add an extra tablespoon of water to thin it out.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftover chicken that hasn’t been coated in the sauce, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.

To reheat, place it in the oven at 375°F until heated through.

IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend freezing this dish after the chicken has been coated in the sauce.

The breaded chicken and sauce are best served freshly made and warm.

REHEATING: To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 375°F until heated through.

If you have leftover sauce, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.

If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little water to thin it out.

Why We Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why we love this honey garlic chicken breasts recipe:

FLAVOR PROFILE: The combination of sweet honey, robust garlic, and savory soy sauce is truly irresistible.

EASY TO MAKE: The ingredients are simple, and the steps are straightforward, making it an excellent option for cooks of all levels.

CROWD-PLEASER: Its savory and sweet sauce and appealing presentation make it a hit at dinner parties, potlucks, and family meals.

a plate Honey Garlic Chicken Breast topped with sesame seeds and green onions, broccoli, and white rice

Our crispy honey garlic chicken breasts recipe is a mix of sweet and savory that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner at home, a romantic date night, or a festive holiday meal, this dish is irresistible and delicious. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh chicken breasts instead of frozen ones? 

You can use fresh breaded chicken breasts. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use a different type of vinegar if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?

You can substitute rice wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in this honey garlic chicken breast recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? 

You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breaded chicken breasts and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegan? 

You can make a vegan version of this recipe by substituting the chicken with tofu and the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I add other spices to the sauce? 

Feel free to add other spices to the sauce to suit your taste. For example, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

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a plate of Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts topped with sesame seeds and green onions

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken

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This crispy honey garlic chicken recipe is a blend of sweet and savory, with breaded chicken coated in a tasty sauce that’s sure to please the whole family!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 frozen breaded chicken breast filets, heated according to package directions (I used the Just Bare brand)
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • cup honey
  • 4 tablespoons water, divided in half
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Sesame seeds, optional garnish
  • Thinly sliced green onions, optional garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat your frozen breaded chicken breasts according to the package directions. In this recipe, the chicken was heated according to the packages’ air fryer directions for 18 minutes.
  • In a medium saucepan on medium heat, add the butter and minced garlic. Allow the butter to melt while the garlic cooks just enough to become fragrant.
  • Add the honey, 2 tablespoons water, low-sodium soy sauce, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil to the melted butter and garlic. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 2 tablespoons of water and cornstarch to create a slurry. This will thicken the sauce.
  • Once the honey garlic sauce has come to a boil, whisk in the cornstarch slurry to the sauce. Allow the sauce to come back to a boil and whisk constantly until your sauce starts to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Be sure you are whisking your honey garlic sauce often to prevent burning and clumping.
  • Once your sauce is thickened up (it should coat the back of a spoon), remove the sauce from the heat.
  • Once your breaded chicken breast filets are done heating up, using tongs, dip one chicken breast into the warm honey garlic sauce. Be sure to completely cover the chicken breast with the sauce, then place the sauce-coated chicken breast onto a serving plate. Repeat until you have coated all four of the chicken breasts in the sauce.
  • Garnish the honey garlic chicken breasts with the optional sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions & serve while warm. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Notes

  • This crispy chicken recipe does not need to use high-end or flavored honey. A good mild store brand clover, or wildflower, honey works perfectly in this recipe. Note that if you use flavored honey in this recipe, it will alter the original flavor of this sauce.
  • Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic will add a sour flavor to your recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 507kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 918mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 243IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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