Sticky 20-Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Breast (Juicy Skillet Glaze)

🛒 Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally into thin cutlets
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for that golden crust)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced or grated
• 1/3 cup raw clover honey
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (cuts through the richness)
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced for garnish
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Pat the chicken cutlets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. 2
   Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and dredge each chicken cutlet, shaking off any excess powder so only a light dusting remains.
3. 3
   Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. 4
   Add the chicken cutlets in a single layer (cook in two batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until deep golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
5. 5
   Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the remaining skillet drippings. Sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
6. 6
   Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the pan bottom. Let the sauce bubble and simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened into a glossy syrup.
7. 7
   Remove pan from heat and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of cold butter until silky. Return the chicken cutlets (and any resting juices) to the skillet, spooning the warm glaze all over each piece.
8. 8
   Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately over warm steamed rice or roasted greens!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)