Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious dish ready in just 20 minutes. Crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce make this meal perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave comfort food with a twist.

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, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are lightly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced garlic to the pan 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: Add back the chicken pieces to the pan and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water as needed.
6. Step 6: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the flour mixture toss before cooking.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Serve over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but they may cook faster and be less juicy than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.

How do I make the sauce less sweet?

Reduce the honey slightly or increase the soy sauce and vinegar to balance out the sweetness to your taste.

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 101 reviews

This Sticky Honey Butter Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken thighs coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory honey butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick weeknight dinner option that combines the richness of butter, the sweetness of honey, and the umami of soy sauce for an irresistible flavor profile.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• Garnish with finely chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are lightly coated to ensure an even crispiness when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Make sure each piece is well-seared to achieve that perfect crunch. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the Garlic: With the skillet still over medium heat, add the sliced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add cold unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir continuously while adding the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a glossy, sticky sauce. Optionally, add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
5. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the crispy chicken pieces back to the skillet. Toss them gently in the honey butter sauce until they are thoroughly coated and heated through.
6. Serve: Transfer the sticky honey butter chicken to a serving dish and garnish with finely chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Using cold butter at the end helps create a silky and glossy sauce.
• To keep the sauce thinner and more pourable, add a splash of water during sauce preparation.
• You can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to retain its juiciness.
• Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Honey Butter Chicken, Sticky Chicken, Quick Chicken Dinner, Crispy Chicken Thighs, Sweet and Savory Chicken