Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish ready in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken thighs are coated, fried to crispy perfection, then tossed in a luscious honey butter sauce for an irresistible dinner treat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless skinless, cut into 2” pieces)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp flour (you can use Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• Garnish with finely chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces until lightly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and add the cold butter to the pan. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to make the sauce.
5. Step 5: For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water and stir until glossy.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free flour to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing crispiness.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, but cooking time may vary.
• Add a splash of water gradually to reach your preferred sauce consistency.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and be less juicy. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

How can I make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey or add a little extra rice vinegar or soy sauce to balance the sweetness.

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

This Sticky Honey Butter Chicken recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a luscious glaze that perfectly balances honey, soy sauce, and garlic flavors.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless skinless, cut into 2” pieces)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp flour (you can use Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Sauce and Garnish

• 3 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until lightly coated to create a base for a crispy crust.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. This ensures each piece develops a perfect sear. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it, to infuse the pan with aroma.
4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add the cold unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir it until it melts and becomes glossy. Mix in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, stirring well to combine all flavors into a sticky, shiny sauce.
5. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them gently in the honey butter sauce to coat evenly. Optionally, add a splash of water if the sauce needs thinning out to better coat the chicken.
6. Serve: Transfer the sticky honey butter chicken to a serving plate, garnish generously with finely chopped parsley, and serve hot for maximum flavor and appeal.

Notes

• Using cold butter at the end helps create a glossy, smooth sauce without separating.
• You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Adding a splash of water can help adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture compared to breasts, but you can substitute if preferred.
• Cook chicken in batches if your skillet is small to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.

Keywords: sticky honey butter chicken, crispy chicken thighs, quick chicken recipes, honey garlic chicken, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner