Sticky Honey Butter Chicken in 20 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. With crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive dinner. The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and butter creates an irresistible glaze that keeps you coming back for more.
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
- Step 1: 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.
- 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 per side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the sliced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Lower the heat and add the cold butter to the pan, stirring until melted. Then stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to make the sauce.
- Step 5: For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water and stir to combine. This will make the sauce glossy and smooth.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
- Step 7: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a spicy kick.
- Swap avocado oil with olive oil or vegetable oil if needed.
- For extra crispiness, pat the chicken dry before coating with the flour mixture.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispy texture and sauce, or warm in the microwave until heated through.
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 cut into similar-sized pieces. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour (such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 baking flour) and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
PrintSticky Honey Butter Chicken in 20 Minutes Recipe
This Sticky Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious meal that features crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet, savory honey butter sauce with a hint of garlic. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are lightly coated, ensuring even coverage for a crispy exterior.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook each side for about 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Make sure each piece is well-seared for the perfect crunchy texture. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add the Garlic: With the chicken removed, add the thinly sliced garlic to the hot skillet. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally until it becomes fragrant but not burnt, which will infuse the sauce with a rich garlic aroma.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cold unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt slowly. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a sticky, glossy sauce. Optionally, add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing them thoroughly in the honey butter sauce so each piece is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish the sticky honey butter chicken with finely chopped parsley to add freshness and color. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour as suggested.
- Adjust the honey quantity to control the sweetness level.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free and soy-sensitive option.
- Adding a splash of water to the sauce helps if it becomes too thick.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Sticky Honey Butter Chicken, Crispy Chicken Thighs, Quick Dinner, Honey Butter Sauce, Garlic Chicken
