Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a sweet, buttery honey sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful without the fuss.

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 together the 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 on each side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced garlic to the same pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, then add the cold butter. Stir gently to combine and create a glossy sauce. Add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly with the honey butter sauce.
6. Step 6: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend like Bob’s 1 to 1 flour.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use skin-on chicken thighs if you prefer extra crispy texture; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Serve over steamed rice or sautéed greens for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier and are less likely to dry out during cooking.

How do I make the sauce less thick?

If the sauce is too thick, simply add a small splash of water when stirring in the butter to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 171 reviews

This Sticky Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a light seasoned batter, pan-fried until crispy, then tossed in a glossy honey butter sauce with garlic and soy sauce for the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley, this easy skillet dish is great for weeknight dinners.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• 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 & Cooking

• 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

• 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.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Ensure each piece is well-seared for that perfect crunch. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Add the Garlic: After the chicken is crispy, add the sliced garlic to the pan. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add the cold butter to the pan. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a glossy sauce.
5. Adjust the Sauce: Add a splash of water if needed to thin the sauce for better coating.
6. Toss the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sticky honey butter sauce.
7. Serve: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten free.
• Adding the cold butter at the end helps make the sauce glossy and smooth.
• For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or chicken broth when stirring the sauce.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs work best for tenderness and quick cooking.
• This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: Sticky Honey Butter Chicken, crispy chicken thighs, honey garlic chicken, quick chicken recipes, gluten free chicken