Honey Glazed Chicken

Sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized

Honey Glazed Chicken is a classic crowd-pleasing dish that balances natural sweetness with savory depth. Tender chicken is coated in a glossy honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully while staying juicy inside. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy (ready in under 30 minutes)
Sweet–savory balance kids and adults love
Uses pantry staples
Versatile: stovetop, oven, or skillet-to-oven
Great with rice, vegetables, or salad

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Honey Glaze

⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
½ teaspoon paprika
Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Garnish (Optional)

Fresh parsley or green onions
Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Honey Glaze

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, vinegar (or lemon juice), paprika, and chili flakes if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.

3. Glaze and Cook

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and coated in a sticky glaze.

For extra caramelization, uncover and cook an additional 1–2 minutes, turning the chicken to coat evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Honey Glazed Chicken with:

Steamed rice or quinoa
Roasted vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green beans)
Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
A fresh green salad

Drizzle extra glaze over the top before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Do not overcook—the glaze can burn if heat is too high.
If glaze thickens too much, add 1–2 tablespoons water or broth.
For oven finishing, transfer skillet to a 190°C (375°F) oven for 8–10 minutes.

Variations

Garlic Honey Chicken: Add extra garlic cloves.
Asian-Inspired: Add grated ginger and finish with sesame oil.
Lemon Honey Chicken: Increase lemon juice and add zest.
Baked Version: Bake chicken with glaze at 190°C (375°F) for 25–30 minutes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, spooning glaze over chicken to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

Honey Glazed Chicken is a timeless recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Sweet, sticky, and savory, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet polished—perfect for both everyday meals and special dinners.