Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. This quick and easy recipe highlights the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and rich butter. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For the Sauce:
• To Serve:
• How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Cook the Chicken
• Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
• Step 4: Make the Sauce
• Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• With Boiled Rice
• With Steamed Vegetables
• In Wraps
• Over Salad
• With Noodles
• How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
• How do I make this dish gluten-free?
• What sides pair well with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• How do I customize Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe can be ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously rich sauce that clings to the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with vegetables for a complete meal that’s suited for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet-savory flavor of this chicken dish.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing the sauce to reduce perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for coating the chicken thighs in cornflour, ensuring they are seasoned well before cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

• 110 g (1/3 cup) honey
• 80 ml (1/3 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

To Serve:

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tsp chili flakes
• Boiled rice

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How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a mixing bowl. Toss them with cornflour, salt, and pepper until they are fully coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
1. Add the coated chicken thighs to the pan.
2. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
3. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Once the chicken is cooked on both sides:
1. Add unsalted butter to the pan.
2. Let it melt before stirring in minced garlic.
3. Reduce heat to medium to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl:
1. Mix together honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce until combined.
2. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with cooked chicken.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Increase heat to bring the sauce to a boil.
1. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.
2. Let it cook for about 4-5 minutes until thickened and coating all pieces of chicken.
3. Ensure that all chicken pieces are cooked through without any pink remaining.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken with fresh parsley and chili flakes before serving hot over boiled rice.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Garlic Chicken!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Serving Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit any occasion. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides and garnishes.

With Boiled Rice

• Boiled rice absorbs the delicious sauce, providing a perfect balance of flavors. Use jasmine or basmati rice for an aromatic touch.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Fresh steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients to your plate, complementing the chicken’s richness.

In Wraps

• Shred the chicken and serve it in wraps with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick, satisfying meal.

Over Salad

• Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing twist.

With Noodles

• Pair the chicken with soba or rice noodles tossed in sesame oil for an Asian-inspired meal that’s both hearty and fulfilling.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Coat Evenly: Ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with cornflour. This helps create a crispy exterior when cooked.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Cook the chicken just until golden brown to maintain tenderness. Overcooking can lead to dryness.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides more flavor than pre-minced varieties, enhancing your dish’s overall taste.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or add extra soy sauce for balance.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

When planning your meal around Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance its flavor profile and create a well-rounded dinner.

1. Fried Rice: A classic complement that adds texture and flavor; toss in peas and carrots for added nutrition.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic match beautifully with the sauce of the chicken.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil provides a crisp contrast.
4. Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in sesame dressing brings brightness to the meal.
5. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs serves as a healthy base that soaks up the flavors nicely.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil make for a flavorful side that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Avoiding these mistakes will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from heat promptly.
• Skipping the Cornflour: Not using cornflour can result in a less crispy texture. Toss your chicken thighs well in cornflour before cooking for that perfect crunch.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, which can make your dish taste bitter. Add it after the chicken has browned and lower the heat to prevent burning.
• Not Allowing Sauce to Thicken: Rushing through the simmering process can leave you with a watery sauce. Let the sauce simmer until it coats the chicken nicely for a rich flavor.
• Ignoring Ingredient Swaps: Using incorrect substitutes may alter flavors. Always check if you have the right ingredients or suitable swaps on hand before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the chicken to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover with foil and heat for 12-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to keep it moist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a quick dish made with tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, and soy sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Slice them into strips or flatten them for even cooking.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free.

What sides pair well with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

This dish is delicious served over boiled rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I customize Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking or spice it up with additional chili flakes for extra heat.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is not only quick but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!