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Honey garlic chiken with salad

Honey garlic chiken with salad

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Honey Garlic Chicken with Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that pairs tender, juicy chicken glazed in a rich honey garlic sauce with a crisp, colorful salad. It’s a satisfying, well-balanced meal perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a delicious combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The honey garlic glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor

  • Served over a vibrant, crunchy salad for a light yet filling meal

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights

  • Great for meal prep or serving a crowd

  • Easily customizable with your choice of greens, veggies, and toppings

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For the Salad:

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., romaine, spinach, arugula)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

  • 1 cucumber, sliced

  • 1 avocado, sliced

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional)

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

  5. Return the chicken to the pan and coat well with the honey garlic sauce. Simmer for another 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

  6. In a large salad bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, feta cheese, and nuts if using.

  7. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until combined.

  8. Slice the chicken and place it on top of the salad. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs or grilled chicken strips

  • Use goat cheese, mozzarella, or no cheese at all

  • Add roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes or beets for a heartier salad

  • Substitute the honey garlic sauce with a balsamic glaze or lemon herb marinade

  • Add cooked quinoa or couscous for an extra filling meal

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the salad and chicken separately in airtight containers. Chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Salad is best eaten fresh but can last 1–2 days if undressed.

  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Assemble the salad fresh and add warmed chicken on top before serving.

FAQs

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, but thighs also work and provide extra juiciness.

Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a pan?

Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the honey garlic glaze.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

Toss the salad with dressing right before serving to keep it crisp.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but reheat it in the honey garlic sauce to infuse flavor before serving.

What’s a good substitute for apple cider vinegar?

You can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice in place of apple cider vinegar.

Can I make this into a wrap?

Absolutely. Wrap the chicken and salad in a tortilla or flatbread for a delicious lunch option.

How long will the dressing last in the fridge?

Homemade dressing can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What other toppings go well with this salad?

Sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, shredded carrots, or sliced radishes are great options.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken with Salad is a flavorful, wholesome meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With tender chicken glazed in a sweet and garlicky sauce, and paired with fresh greens and vegetables, this dish offers a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Whether served for lunch or dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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Honey garlic chiken with salad

Honey garlic chiken with salad

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  • Author: Sarra
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
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Description

Honey Garlic Chicken with Salad is a deliciously balanced dish combining sweet and savory glazed chicken with a crisp, refreshing salad. This light yet satisfying meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, delivering bold flavor and wholesome nutrition in every bite.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Salad:
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper. Marinate in half of the sauce for 15–30 minutes.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
  • In a small pan, simmer remaining sauce until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
  • Remove chicken, slice, and drizzle with thickened sauce.
  • In a large bowl, toss salad ingredients with olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • Serve sliced honey garlic chicken over the fresh salad.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds to the salad.
  • Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more richness.
  • Great for meal prep — store salad and chicken separately until ready to eat.
  • Add avocado or quinoa for extra nutrition.
  • Details

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~380 kcal
  • Sugar: ~12g
  • Sodium: ~500mg
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Saturated Fat: ~3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~20g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Protein: ~32g
  • Cholesterol: ~80mg

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