Create a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes! This glazed chicken recipe features perfectly juicy chicken breasts in a sticky, savory brown butter glaze. The secret nutty flavor from the brown butter makes it an unforgettable weeknight dinner.
1/4cupall-purpose flouror cornstarch for gluten-free
4Tbspbutterdivided
4clovesgarlic, minced
1.5Tbspapple cider vinegar
1Tbspsoy sauce
1/3cuphoney or maple syrup
Fresh chives, choppedfor garnish
Instructions
Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to score a shallow diamond pattern across the top of each, cutting about one-third of the way through. This helps it cook evenly and holds more glaze.
Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each breast in flour, pressing it into the scored grooves and shaking off any excess.
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken scored-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes.
Create the Brown Butter Glaze and Finish
Add the last tablespoon of butter to the pan. Let it melt and cook, swirling the pan for 60-90 seconds until it foams and you see golden-brown specks (this is brown butter). Immediately add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the sauce to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, continuously spooning the glaze over the chicken as it thickens. Cook until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately.
Notes
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of cornstarch or a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.Secret to Juicy Chicken: Do not overcook! Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of exactly 165°F (74°C). Resting the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing is crucial for retaining juices.Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thin, let it simmer for another minute or two to reduce. If it becomes too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of water or chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.Flavor Variations: Add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger or orange zest for a zesty kick. For a spicy version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the glaze.Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to prevent the chicken from drying out.Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.