This honey garlic chicken breast recipe is so flavorful and easy to make that it will quickly become a favorite in your household. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and juicy chicken dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Wheat flour (for breading)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Make Shallow Cuts: Start by making shallow cuts on each chicken breast. Cut diagonally in one direction, then in the opposite direction to create a crosshatch pattern. This helps the seasoning penetrate better and allows the chicken to cook more evenly.
- Season: Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper to taste, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Rub the seasoning into the chicken breasts thoroughly with clean hands, making sure to coat both sides.
2. Bread the Chicken:
- Coat with Flour: Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in wheat flour, making sure to coat both sides well. Shake off any excess flour and set the chicken breasts aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat Butter: In a large frying pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add Chicken: Once the butter is melted and hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken on one side until it is golden brown, then flip to cook the other side until golden brown as well. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add More Butter and Garlic: Add another tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt. Add 3 crushed garlic cloves to the butter and mix well to infuse the flavors.
- Add Honey: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey over the chicken breasts. Spread the honey evenly over the chicken to create a beautiful glaze.
4. Finish Cooking:
- Brown Both Sides: Turn the chicken breasts again to ensure both sides are well coated with the honey and garlic butter mixture. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice golden color.
- Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken breasts for a touch of color and added flavor, if desired.
5. Serve:
- Cut and Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve hot. The chicken should be juicy and tender on the inside with a deliciously sticky and flavorful exterior.
Cooking Notes:
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more or less salt, pepper, or paprika as preferred.
- Honey: The honey adds a wonderful sweet and savory flavor to the chicken. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the amount of honey.
- Cooking: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may take longer to cook.
2. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
3. Can I add other herbs or spices? Absolutely! Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary, and spices like cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
4. What side dishes go well with this recipe? This chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, use a dairy-free butter substitute to make this dish dairy-free.
Keto/Low Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly version, ensure that the honey is minimal, or use a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Almond flour (for breading)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons monk fruit syrup (or another keto-friendly sweetener)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions: Follow the same steps as the original recipe, using the keto-friendly ingredients listed above.
This honey garlic chicken breast recipe is a fantastic and easy way to enjoy flavorful and juicy chicken. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Try this honey garlic chicken recipe at home and let us know how it turns out! If you enjoy easy and delicious chicken recipes, leave a comment saying “I love chicken” and share this with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
Enjoy making and indulging in this delicious honey garlic chicken!
