Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
