Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked halfway through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Step 3: Whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Bring the glaze to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the glaze has slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Return the partially cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the tangy honey lime glaze over the top of each piece. Continue to simmer for an additional 4-6 minutes, flipping the chicken once, until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and well-coated in the sticky glaze.
- Step 5: Remove the chicken from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or lime wedges.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the honey-lime glaze will firm up slightly but retains its vibrant flavor beautifully.
- To revive the chicken without drying it out, slice the pieces and briefly toss them in any residual glaze on the stovetop over low heat until just warmed through.
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice to soak up all the tangy glaze, or serve alongside a crunchy Asian slaw for textural contrast.
- For the best glaze balance, always use fresh lime juice; if your limes seem overly tart, add a tiny pinch more honey during Step 3 to ensure the perfect sticky-sweet ratio.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American