This High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession. It’s incredibly fast, packed with flavor, and delivers a serious protein punch to keep you full and satisfied. Forget boring chicken dinners; this dish brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a sticky, irresistible sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
We’re talking tender, juicy chicken breast pieces pan-seared to perfection and coated in a simple yet amazing sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or a healthy post-workout refuel.
Why This High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Is a Game-Changer
You’re going to love how simple and delicious this recipe is. It’s designed for busy people who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in 30 minutes flat. It’s the ultimate solution for “what’s for dinner?” on a busy night.
- Packed with Protein: This meal is built around lean chicken breast, making it an excellent source of protein to support your fitness goals.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create the most incredible, sticky honey garlic sauce.
- Meal Prep Perfect: This chicken holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for your weekly meal prep. See my tips below!
The Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to grab.
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes. This is our lean protein powerhouse.
- Cornstarch: A light coating gives the chicken a slightly crispy exterior and helps thicken the sauce.
- Avocado Oil: A neutral, high-heat oil perfect for searing.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Honey: The star of the show, providing that signature sweetness.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, savory, umami flavor. Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for that robust, aromatic flavor.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty kick that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breast cubes dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until it’s evenly coated.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened and coats every piece of chicken beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra flavor and crunch.
For another fantastic weeknight dinner, you have to try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken
A few simple tips can take this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: For the best results, cook the chicken in a single layer. This allows it to sear and get golden brown instead of steaming. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While you can use garlic and ginger powder in a pinch, fresh minced garlic and grated ginger will give your sauce the most vibrant flavor.
- Control the Heat: Honey can burn quickly. Once you add the sauce to the skillet, keep the heat at a medium simmer and stir continuously to prevent it from scorching.
- Want More Veggies? Feel free to add steamed broccoli florets or sautéed bell peppers to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete one-pan meal. This reminds me of my favorite Low-Carb Chicken and Vegetable Skillet.
What to Serve with Your Chicken
This High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, it pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus adds a perfect touch of green and extra nutrients.
Meal Prep and Storage Solutions
This recipe is a meal prep champion. To store, allow the chicken and any sides to cool completely. Portion into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. The sauce tastes even better the next day!
If you love easy crockpot meals for meal prepping, check out my guide on making perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Breast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They may take a few extra minutes to cook, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure your cornstarch is also certified gluten-free.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
This recipe is high in protein primarily because it uses 1.5 pounds of lean boneless, skinless chicken breast, which provides approximately 45 grams of protein per serving.
More High Protein Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this dish, you’ll love my Mediterranean Steak Bowls or these simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs.
High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breast cubes dry with a paper towel. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
- Remove from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately over rice or quinoa.
Notes
Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli or bell peppers at the end for a complete one-pan meal.
Share This Recipe!
I hope you love this easy and delicious High Protein Honey Garlic Chicken recipe! If you make it, I’d love to see it. Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest!
