Honey garlic glazed baked chicken breast
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken
Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or make a few shallow cuts on the surface.
Make the Honey Garlic Marinade
Whisk together the honey, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken
Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it rest for at least 15 minutes, or 1–2 hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare for Baking
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the remaining marinade over the top.
Bake the Chicken
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 400°F (200°C) and the glaze is golden.
Broil (Optional)
For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Let It Rest
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Why honey garlic baked chicken breast always turns out uicy
Baked chicken breast has a reputation for being dry, but the right glaze makes all the difference. This honey garlic baked chicken breast is tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze that transforms a simple chicken dinner into something full of flavor.
The secret is the balance of sweet and savory ingredients. Honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy golden coating, while fresh garlic adds rich aroma and depth. Soy sauce brings a savory umami flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the honey. Together, these ingredients create a glaze that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Preparing the chicken properly is just as important. If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness or slice them in half horizontally. This helps them cook evenly, absorb more of the marinade, and stay juicy without drying out. Be careful not to overcook them—remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 400°F (200°C).
This recipe is also a great choice for a healthy, protein-packed meal. It is naturally high in protein, relatively low in fat, and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.
One of the best things about honey garlic baked chicken breast is its versatility. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, slice it over salads, use it in wraps and sandwiches, or prepare extra portions for meal prep throughout the week. It reheats well while staying tender and flavorful.
With just a handful of pantry ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe delivers consistent results every time. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s simple enough for busy evenings yet delicious enough to serve to family and guests alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Chicken thighs are naturally juicier, but they may need an additional 5–10 minutes of baking time.
No, but honey creates the signature caramelized glaze and golden color. You can substitute it with maple syrup or a small amount of brown sugar.
At least 15 minutes is enough, but marinating for 1–2 hours gives the best flavor.
Avoid overcooking it. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 400°F (200°C). Evenly sized chicken breasts also cook more evenly.
It pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, mashed or baked potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's perfect for meal prep.
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
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