Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/3 cup honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Garnish:
Chopped parsley or sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Prepare the chicken:
   Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place in the baking dish.

3. Make the honey garlic sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

4. Pour over chicken:
   Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.

5. Bake:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20–25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and the sauce is bubbly.

6. Optional glaze finish:
   For a thicker glaze, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and broil for 2–3 minutes until caramelized.

7. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds. Serve hot.