There’s something irresistibly comforting about a perfectly cooked Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe that just melts in your mouth, balancing sweet and savory like a true crowd-pleaser. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a delicate flour crust, then bathed in a luscious honey-orange glaze infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat. Every bite feels like a little celebration, making it one of my all-time favorite recipes to share with friends and family on any night of the week. The magic happens with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that transform into a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in the Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe. From the crispy coating created by the flour to the sweet and tangy glaze, every component helps craft a dish that is both satisfying and impressive.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Provides a light coating to crisp the chicken while locking in juices.
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken with a subtle seasoning base.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): The star protein, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- ¼ cup vegetable oil: Perfect for pan-frying the chicken to a golden-brown crust without overpowering taste.
- ½ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the glaze.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Brings bright citrus notes that lighten and balance the sweetness.
- ¼ cup rice vinegar: Introduces acidity to cut through richness, making each bite lively.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Deepens the umami character of the sauce while keeping the saltiness in check.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the glaze to the perfect syrupy consistency.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a subtle, nutty aroma that complements the glaze beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds pungent warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 (1-inch piece) fresh ginger (minced): Brings a zesty and slightly spicy kick that brightens the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat to contrast the sweetness.
- Chopped green onion: A fresh, crisp garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Crunchy texture and visual interest to top off the dish.
How to Make Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which sets the stage for perfectly cooking the chicken after searing. While the oven warms up, mix your flour, salt, and fresh pepper in a shallow bowl. This simple flour mixture is what will give your chicken a delicate crust, sealing in moisture for juicy bites.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Gently coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This step is key because the flour helps the honey glaze stick beautifully to the chicken, creating that classic glossy finish everyone loves.
Step 3: Whisk the Honey Glaze
Take a separate bowl and whisk together your honey, orange juice, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the crushed red pepper flakes. This glaze is where all the excitement happens—it’s sweet, tangy, and layered with savory notes.
Step 4: Pan Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the chicken breasts, frying each side until golden brown—about 3-4 minutes per side. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which ensures an even sear and a crispy crust.
Step 5: Add Glaze and Bake
Pour the honey glaze directly over the browned chicken in the skillet, making sure each piece is coated lovingly in that luscious sauce. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze thickens into a sticky, mouthwatering coating.
Step 6: Finish with Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chicken with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These final touches add fresh aroma, crunch, and a pop of color that will make your Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that bring brightness and a slight crunch, perfectly complementing the silky glaze. Feel free to add fresh herbs like cilantro or even thinly sliced red chilies if you want to ramp up the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Served alongside the honey glazed chicken, simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa soak up every bit of that delicious glaze. Roasted or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers provide a fresh, colorful contrast to enrich the meal both in texture and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the chicken sliced atop a bed of greens drizzled with the remaining sauce, or try arranging several pieces around a mound of sticky rice garnished with toasted nuts. This recipe also pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh mango salsa for a tropical twist that will amaze your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Stored properly, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weekday dinners or tasty lunch options.
Freezing
If you want to save your Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe for later, wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen this way, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve its moistness and prevent the glaze from burning. You can also microwave it covered for short intervals, stirring or turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even heating without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can be even juicier and more flavorful when used in this Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe. Just keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness to 165°F.
Is it okay to skip the red pepper flakes?
Definitely. The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but this recipe tastes fantastic without them. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference—or leave it out entirely for a milder dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the honey glaze can be whisked together a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to use it, then stir before pouring it over the chicken.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar makes a fine substitute if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand. The key is to use a mild vinegar to keep the glaze balanced and bright without overpowering the other flavors.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch for dredging, and use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Your Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe will still be just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring a smile to the table with its perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy flavors paired with tender, juicy chicken. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when you want to wow your guests. I can’t encourage you enough to give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your cooking rotation!
Print
Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Honey Glazed Chicken recipe features tender, pan-fried chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. Finished in the oven for juicy perfection, this dish is garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a deliciously flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Honey Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-inch piece) fresh ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped green onion
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken after searing.
- Mix Flour and Seasoning: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a lightweight dredge for the chicken.
- Dredge Chicken: Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the flour mixture, ensuring an even layer to help achieve a crispy exterior when pan-fried.
- Prepare Honey Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering, ready for frying.
- Pan-Fry Chicken: Add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil and cook on each side until golden brown. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which ensures even browning.
- Add Sauce and Coat: Pour the prepared honey sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet, turning the chicken pieces to coat them evenly in the flavorful glaze.
- Finish in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken for added color, texture, and flavor before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Ensure the skillet is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven to prevent damage or accidents.
- The honey sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
