Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a glossy, sweet, and savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon flour (gluten-free 1-to-1 flour is acceptable)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Finely chopped parsley, for garnish

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 in this mixture until they are lightly and evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 8 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat, then add the cold butter to the skillet. Stir until melted and glossy. Mix in honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and rice vinegar, combining everything into a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
5. Step 5: Return the crispy chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece with the honey butter sauce.
6. Step 6: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken to allow for proper searing.
• Use cold butter when making the sauce to achieve a silky, glossy texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Adjust the balance of honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to your taste before tossing the chicken in the sauce.
• Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad 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 maintain the sauce’s texture and the chicken’s crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breast, be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.

Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in equal amounts. Just be mindful the flavor might vary slightly.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 136 reviews

Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously crispy skillet-cooked dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken thighs coated in a light cornstarch and flour mixture. The chicken is pan-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a glossy honey butter sauce flavored with garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to create a perfect comfort meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 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 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon flour (Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1 can be used)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Honey Butter Sauce

• ¼ cup honey
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 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, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture thoroughly to coat evenly.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 8 minutes per side, allowing each piece to become golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt to release their aroma into the pan.
4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cold unsalted butter to the skillet. Stir as it melts, then add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir well to combine into a glossy, smooth sauce. Add a small splash of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
5. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss them in the honey butter sauce until each piece is well-coated and heated through.
6. Serve: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve the honey butter chicken hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Get Crispy Chicken: Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the flour-cornstarch mixture and cook them in a single layer without crowding the pan to achieve a crisp golden crust. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than frying.
• Use Cold Butter for the Sauce: Adding cold butter at the end creates a silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken pieces.
• Balance the Sauce to Taste: Before tossing the chicken, taste the honey butter sauce and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar if desired.

Keywords: Honey Butter Chicken, Crispy Chicken Thighs, Skillet Chicken, Honey Butter Sauce, Easy Chicken Recipe