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Honey Citrus Chicken Breasts: Easy & Healthy Recipe

The Magic of Honey Citrus Chicken Breasts

Looking for a delicious and healthy dinner recipe that's easy to make? Look no further than honey citrus chicken breasts! This dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey citrus sauce. It's a simple and versatile meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even impressing guests.

Ingredients You'll Need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together the honey, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
  4. Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the honey citrus sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is absorbed by the chicken and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve the honey citrus chicken breasts over rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables.

Tips for Success:

  • Don't Overcrowd the Skillet: If you're cooking more than 2 chicken breasts at a time, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure they sear properly.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: For extra assurance, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, orange juice, or soy sauce to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. If you want a tangier sauce, add more orange juice or rice vinegar.

Storing and Serving:

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover honey citrus chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: To reheat, you can microwave the chicken or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the honey citrus chicken breasts over rice, quinoa, or your favorite vegetables. You can also add them to salads or sandwiches.

Enjoy this simple and flavorful recipe! It's a great way to get a healthy and satisfying meal on the table quickly.