Baked Honey Garlic Chicken is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s super flavorful, unbelievably easy and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s one of the best sticky, sweet and savory chicken meals.
Chicken is a family staple. We love to create new ways to enjoy it like my Chicken Apple Sausage Dish and my Chipotle Chicken Bowl. If you need some inspiration, give these a try.
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Why My Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a Keeper
This spicy honey garlic chicken is easy, satisfying, and super customizable. Making one of my favorite meals to make.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this best chicken recipe approachable for any skill level.
- Sticky and Flavorful: The honey garlic sauce coats the chicken perfectly for a sweet and savory bite.
- Juicy Chicken: Baking keeps the chicken tender and moist.
- Family Favorite: The balanced flavor appeals to both kids and adults. It’s the perfect weeknight meal.
- Serve With: Serve this juicy chicken recipe with an Iceberg Wedge Salad or Velveeta Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers.
Can I Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Recipe Instead of Breasts?
Yes! Swap for boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra moisture and richness. Just make sure that you cook to the correct temperature.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
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“I was so glad to find your easy, delicious recipe! I will be making it again soon as the whole family loved it!”
~ Liz
Ingredient Notes for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
All of the required ingredients for this baked chicken are easy to find at the store, but some of the ingredients may be around your kitchen already. Ingredient list below in the recipe card.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Breast: You will need 4 chicken breast halves to make this quick and easy dinner. Avoid using bone-in because it will have to heat for longer until the chicken is cooked.
- Garlic: Mincing your own fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can also use pre-minced. Garlic powder works too, but it’s not as flavorful.
- Honey: I prefer to use local honey, but use whatever you have on hand.
Variations and Substitutions for Sticky Honey Chicken Breast
There are a couple different swaps you can make to make this crispy chicken recipe extra delicious.
➡️ Add Heat: Stir in some hot sauce for a spicy chicken bites version.
➡️ Make It Lighter: Reduce the amount of honey if desired.
➡️ Add Vegetables: Roast vegetables alongside the chicken. Pour the sauce over the top for even more flavor.
Kitchen Tools To Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Easier
You don’t need anything fancy to make tender chicken cutlets, but these items make the job easier.
- Oven-Safe Skillet: Use a large skillet that’s safe to use on the stove and in the oven. You will end up baking your boneless chicken thighs.
- Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to see exactly how cooked the chicken is.
How to Make Spicy Garlic Honey Chicken
This honey garlic chicken thighs recipe comes together in just 4 easy to follow steps. It’s so easy and delicious, my family requests them again and again.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat Oven & Season Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Season each chicken half with All Purpose Seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Melt most of the butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, sear until golden brown, then set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: Melt the rest of the butter in the pan, then add the garlic. Cook for a few minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, honey, oregano, thyme, basil and red pepper flakes.
- Bake the Chicken in the Sauce: Place the chicken back into the skillet and bake until the chicken reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips for this Easy Chicken Recipe
Preparing steps in a recipe ahead of time can be the best way to go.
➡️ Prepare Sauce Early: Mix the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
➡️ Use Pre-Minced Garlic: Saves time during prep.
➡️ Line the Baking Dish: Makes cleanup faster.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Honey Garlic Chicken
Make these sweet honey sauce chicken breasts another way by using your air fryer or stovetop.
- Air Fryer: Cook at a high temperature for faster results and crispy edges.
- Stovetop: Simmer chicken in sauce for a quicker method. Make sure chicken is fully coated.
What Other Spices Can I Use For This Recipe?
Feel free to try this chicken with smoked paprika, rosemary or cayenne pepper. You can also try to marinate the chicken in a soy sauce or apple cider vinegar mix.
Store and Use Leftover Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
Proper storing and reheating can make these leftovers just as good as they were the first time.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little liquid if needed.
- Using Leftovers: Slice and serve over rice or in wraps for another meal.
Expert Tips To Make This Recipe for Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
➡️ Do Not Overcook: Use a thermometer to keep chicken juicy.
➡️ Baste During Cooking: Helps build a thicker glaze.
➡️ Watch the Sauce: Prevent burning as it thickens.
➡️ Use Even Pieces: Similarly sized chicken pieces are better for even cooking. Don’t crowd the pan with too many chicken pieces.
➡️ Let Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest helps to retain juices.
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Baked Honey Garlic Chicken
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Ingredients
- 4 Chicken breast halves, boneless & skinless
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 3 Tablespoons Butter, divided
- 6 cloves Garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- ½ teaspoon Dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon Dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Season chicken liberally with All Purpose Seasoning Blend, salt and pepper.
- Add 2 Tablespoons butter to a large oven-proof skillet and melt over medium high heat.
- Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side; set aside.
- Add remaining Tablespoon butter to the skillet and melt.
- Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, honey, oregano, thyme, basil and crushed red pepper until combined.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Place skillet into oven and roast until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, about 15 minutes.
Christina’s Notes
- Garnish: A tbsp or two of sliced green onions or sesame seeds make a great addition to the .Honey Glazed Chicken.
- Oven Safe: Make sure your skillet is oven safe, a cast iron skillet works great for this recipe.
- Gluten Free: It is easy to use simple ingredients for those who need it.
- Variation tip: This Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken will make an excellent addition to your football parties. You can serve your favorite bone in wings with this sauce or cut the boneless chicken breast up and serve them as chicken bites.
- Alternate cooking method tip: The air fryer is great for cooking this honey garlic chicken breast. The cook time should be about 9 minutes at 360 degrees.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Found this recipe online. Made it, easy to make. The flavor was amazing, so much better than I had thought it would be. Will definitely make again!
ESAY TO MAKE! TASTED WONDERFUL! WILL MAKE AGAIN!
I’m definitely gonna try this recipe. When I do cook skin & boneless chicken breasts it’s usually bcuz I’m making Chicken Parm, my son’s fav dish. When I get MY fav dish from TGI-Friday’s, I always order 3-4 extra whiskey glaze sauces w/ it. I store them in a plastic freezer bag. So when I cook Salmon or Chicken 4-dinner I can have dat TGIF taste w/o dat TGIF price tag.
I would love to make this, but the Nutrition panel can’t be right. Is that the total amount of calories and fat for the recipe for 4? Can you clarify? Thanks!
You are right…the nutrition information was way off. I did correct that. Keep in mind, the nutrition information provided is estimated.
My crew always enjoys the honey garlic combo so much! We never stray from using chicken breasts, but I love your suggestion to use it on wings!!! Great recipe!
I was so glad to find your easy, delicious recipe! I will be making it again soon as the whole family loved it!