Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast (Gluten-Free!)

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Sweet and smoky, this honey garlic chicken breast gets tossed in a quick sauce and then baked until golden and crisp around the edges. It’s easy to serve with rice and your favorite veggie for a quick dinner!

baked chicken tenders   tossed in a honey garlic sauce, and topped with sesame seeds

Sweet. Sticky. Savory.

I shared over on Instagram recently that I’m in the middle of my 40 day refined sugar fast. I have missed being in the kitchen and baking, but saw a recipe for a baked honey chicken that I thought looked delicious. I put my own spin on it with some different spices and seasonings, baked it until it was beautifully golden, and the result was a meal that my entire family gobbled up in mere seconds.

This is a recipe that will definitely be going into my back pocket for those days when I just need something easy and fairly quick, while still maintaining delicious flavor and using wholesome ingredients.

I think you will really like this one!

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Quick Recipe Snapshot

TOTAL TIME: About 30 minutes, start to finish!
YIELD: I used 1 lb. of chicken breast for this recipe. It easily doubles!
STORAGE:
Leftovers will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
BEST SERVED WITH: We love it with rice and roasted veggies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe


  • 30 MINUTE MEAL: This recipe joins my 30 minute chili for a delicious (and super quick!) dinner idea.
  • WHOLESOME: Made with ingredients you can feel good about, and likely already have on hand.
  • KID APPROVED: My girls really enjoyed this recipe paired with their favorite sides for dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chicken Breast: I recommend slicing it thinly for ultimate crispiness when baked.
  • Honey: Adds that sticky sweetness! Maple syrup would be an easy swap.
  • Garlic: Lots of it, baby! I used freshly minced garlic in this recipe for maximum flavor. Garlic powder can be swapped in a pinch.
  • Tamari: Adds flavor to the sauce. Soy sauce works well as an easy substitute.
  • Seasonings: Ginger, onion powder, and salt and pepper! Experiment with red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Tips for Preparing to Make This Recipe

  1. Slice into thin strips: I prefer to do this when cooking chicken breast to ensure it cooks faster, while also helping the chicken not dry out while baking.
  2. Broil last 5 minutes: This step is essential! It’s what helps to give the chicken those crispy edges and beautiful golden color.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below!

Step by Step Instructions

a bowl of honey garlic sauce for chicken
  1. In a small mixing bowl, mix together sauce ingredients. Set aside.
chicken tenders and honey garlic sauce, being tossed together in a large mixing bowl

2. Add in the trimmed and sliced chicken breast, tossing well to combine.

unbaked chicken tenders tossed in a honey garlic sauce, spread out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet

3. Add the chicken to prepared baking sheet, pouring any extra sauce over the top.

baked chicken tenders tossed in a honey garlic sauce and garnished with sesame seeds

4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, turning once. Turn the oven to BROIL for 5 minutes to allow for crispy edges. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs & Storage Tips

Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! The baking time might be slightly longer for chicken thighs (around 10 minutes more). Be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Add the sauce mixture into a large container or Ziploc bag, then add the chicken, tossing to combine. Store in the fridge to marinate for up to 1 day in advance.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but for best results, thaw the chicken breasts completely before cooking so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce properly. If cooking from frozen, increase the cook time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, keeping in mind the sauce may not caramelize as well due to excess moisture released during cooking.

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Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breast


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  • Author: Rachael
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Description

Sweet and smoky, this honey garlic chicken breast gets tossed in a quick sauce and then baked until golden and crisp around the edges. It’s easy to serve with rice and your favorite veggie for a quick dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast, trimmed and sliced into smaller pieces
  • cup honey
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (olive oil also works well)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp tamari (can substitute favorite soy sauce)
  • 45 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ginger
  • Salt & pepper, to taste (I use roughly ¼ teaspoon of each)
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silpat baking mat and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, avocado oil, sesame oil, tamari, minced garlic, and seasonings. Whisk together until combined and set aside.
  3. Prepare Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken, then slice in half lengthwise to make a thinner breast. Slice once more into small strips. 
  4. Toss the chicken in the sauce, making sure to stir thoroughly until well coated. Add to prepared baking sheet, pouring any leftover sauce over the top. 
  5. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes, flipping once. Then turn the oven to BROIL and broil for 5 minutes or until you see the chicken get crispy around the edges. (Note: Chicken is fully cooked the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F).
  6. Serve and garnish with sesame seeds, if preferred. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers will store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Cook chicken as directed, then allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight, freezer-safe container. This chicken will store well for up to 3 months. Once ready to eat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350 until warmed through.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking

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