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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1/3 cup honey - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Medium bowl - Skillet - Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish - Whisk To create a great dish, you need the right ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star here. They are lean and soak up flavors well. Honey gives a nice sweetness. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Low-sodium soy sauce keeps it savory without too much salt. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang. Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce later. Olive oil keeps the chicken juicy while cooking. Do not forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Finally, fresh parsley brightens up the dish when you serve it. Gather these items before you start. It makes cooking smoother and more fun. You can find all these ingredients at your local store. If you want to see how to use them, check out the Full Recipe. First, we need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and savory flavor that you will love. Next, season your chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds a nice touch to your chicken. Then, combine the chicken and marinade. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours to boost the flavor. Now, let’s cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is key for getting a nice sear on the chicken. After the oil is hot, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let the excess marinade drip off. Place the chicken in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the outside to be golden brown, and the inside should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to make the sauce. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm. In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir frequently until the sauce thickens slightly. Now, you can drizzle this thickened sauce over the chicken or toss the chicken in the skillet to coat it well. This adds extra flavor to every bite. Enjoy your Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts! For more details, check the Full Recipe. - Recommended marinating times: I suggest marinating your chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, aim for up to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up the honey garlic goodness. - Impact of timing on flavor: The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor. A quick marinade gives a hint of taste, while a longer one makes every bite burst with flavor. - Ensuring even cooking: Make sure your chicken breasts are about the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly. If some pieces are thicker, pound them down gently with a meat mallet. - Checking doneness with a meat thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. This ensures juicy chicken without undercooking or overcooking. - Best side dishes to complement the dish: Pair your honey garlic chicken with steamed rice or roasted vegetables. These sides soak up the sauce well and balance the meal. - Presentation tips for an appealing meal: Serve the chicken on a nice platter, drizzled with sauce. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. This simple touch makes the dish look gourmet. You can find the full recipe to impress your guests. {{image_2}} You might want to change the honey in this dish. Maple syrup is a great alternative. It brings a sweet flavor, too. You can also use agave nectar if you prefer. Both swaps keep the dish delicious. For vinegar, you can swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar. Rice vinegar adds a mild taste. You can even try balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor. Each change gives a new twist to your honey garlic chicken. Want some spice? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you like herbs, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary. They work great with chicken and add depth. You can also toss in veggies like bell peppers or broccoli. These not only add color but also nutrition. Sauté them with the chicken for a one-pan meal. It makes the dish even more appealing. If you're gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce. There are many brands available today. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. For a low-sugar option, try using a sugar substitute in place of honey. Products like monk fruit sweetener can work well. Just adjust the amount to your taste. You will still have a tasty dish without the extra sugar. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, use the microwave or skillet. Heat it gently to avoid drying out the chicken. To freeze cooked chicken, let it cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air. For best results, use it within three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. In the fridge, this dish lasts about four days. Keep an eye out for any changes in color or smell. If the chicken looks slimy or has a sour odor, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when checking for spoilage. For the best flavor, marinate chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes. You can go up to 2 hours for deeper taste. Longer marination gives you more sweetness and garlic flavor. Just don’t exceed 24 hours to avoid mushiness. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Adjust the cooking time to 10-12 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Bone-in chicken cooks more slowly, so check it often. If you need a soy sauce alternative, try coconut aminos. It’s soy-free and has a mild flavor. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option. For a sweeter taste, mix balsamic vinegar with some water. In this article, we explored the key ingredients and tools needed for a delicious chicken dish. We walked through marinating, cooking, and creating a rich sauce. I provided helpful tips to enhance flavor and ensure perfect cooking. Remember, you can customize this recipe with various ingredients and flavors. Follow the storage tips for freshness and enjoy your tasty meals!

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Indulge in the deliciousness of sweet and savory honey garlic chicken breasts! This easy recipe combines tender chicken with a flavorful honey-garlic marinade for a dish that will impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/3 cup honey

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth. This will be your marinade.

    Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

      In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, combine the chicken breasts with the marinade. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

        Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place in the skillet. Reserve the marinade for later.

          Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

            Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and cover it with aluminum foil to keep warm.

              In the same skillet, add the reserved marinade and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

                Drizzle the thickened sauce over the chicken breasts or toss the chicken in the skillet to coat.

                  Remove from heat and let sit for a minute before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a platter, garnished with chopped parsley. Pair with steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.