Easy Chicken Breast Recipes: 10 Quick & Delicious Dinner Ideas

This quick honey garlic chicken is a simple weeknight dinner made with tender chicken breast, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The sauce is sweet, savory, garlicky, and slightly spicy, and it comes together in one skillet in about 15 minutes. Serve it over rice with steamed vegetables for an easy, satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 4

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
2 tsps olive oil, for cooking
3 tbsps honey
3 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt, to taste
1 tsp cornstarch, optional, for a thicker sauce
1 tbsp water, if using cornstarch
Green onions, sliced, for serving
Sesame seeds, for serving

Equipment

Large non-stick or cast-iron skillet
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Small mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring spoons
Instant-read meat thermometer
Serving plate or bowl

Method

Prepare the chicken
Mix the honey garlic sauce
Cook the chicken
Add the sauce
Thicken the sauce if needed
Check the chicken
Serve

Notes

Use small chicken pieces: Smaller pieces cook quickly and absorb more of the honey garlic sauce.
Don't overcook: Chicken breast is lean and can dry out when cooked too long.
Low-sodium soy sauce: This gives you more control over the saltiness of the finished dish.
Adjust the sweetness: Add a little more or less honey depending on your taste.
Make it spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce.
Add vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or green beans work especially well.
Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
For leftovers: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken is especially good with:

Steamed white or brown rice
Fried rice
Quinoa
Egg noodles
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Stir-fried vegetables
Fresh cucumber salad

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool before placing them in an airtight container.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of water before reheating.

Recipe Tips

The secret to making this recipe taste great is getting a good sear on the chicken before adding the sauce. Don't rush this step, and don't overcrowd the skillet.

Once the honey garlic sauce goes in, keep an eye on the pan because honey can caramelize quickly. A few minutes is usually enough to create a glossy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.

Nutrition

Nutrition information will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size. For the most accurate nutrition information, calculate the recipe using the specific brands and quantities you use.