Sticky 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
Scale
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
