Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious weeknight meal that brings tender chicken thighs to golden perfection. Coated in a luscious honey butter glaze, this dish is irresistibly flavorful and ready in just 20 minutes.

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)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 3 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• Garnish: 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 8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and add the cold butter, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir well to combine and create a glossy sauce. (Tip: add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner sauce.)
5. Step 5: Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat with the honey butter sauce.
6. Step 6: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, ensure chicken pieces are coated evenly and cooked in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
• Use cold butter when making the sauce to achieve a silky, glossy finish.
• Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add a splash (about 2 tbsp) of water to adjust sauce consistency if desired.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful in this recipe.

How do I make the sauce less sticky or thick?

Add a splash of water (about 1–2 tablespoons) while stirring the sauce to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner featuring tender, boneless skinless chicken thighs pan-fried to golden crispness and coated in a luscious, sticky honey butter glaze balanced with savory soy sauce and tangy rice vinegar. Finished with sliced garlic and butter for a glossy sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, this Asian-inspired dish is irresistibly flavorful and ready in just 30 minutes.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Mains
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Coating

• 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 2” pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon flour (can use Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1 flour)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly

Honey Butter Sauce

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

Garnish

• Finely chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this dry mixture ensuring they are lightly coated evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for approximately 8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy with a perfect sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cold unsalted butter to the garlic in the skillet. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar mixture. For a thinner sauce, add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of water. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sauce is glossy.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken in the honey butter sauce, ensuring every piece is well glazed.
6. Serve: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For extra crispy chicken, ensure the pieces are coated evenly and cooked in a single layer without crowding the pan.
• Add cold butter at the end of sauce preparation to achieve a silky and glossy finish that clings well to the chicken.
• A splash of water can be added to the sauce if a thinner consistency is preferred (around 2 tablespoons).
• This recipe works well with gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.

Keywords: Honey Butter Chicken, Sticky Honey Butter Chicken, Pan-fried Chicken Thighs, Asian Chicken Recipe, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Chicken Recipe