Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe

Quick Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe That Dazzles Taste Buds

Whipping up a mouthwatering honey butter garlic chicken dish promises an explosion of incredible flavors that dance across your palate.

Succulent chicken pieces get coated in a luxurious glaze combining sweet and savory notes.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients merge into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this luxurious or effortless.

Bold spices and golden honey create a harmonious symphony on your plate.

Each tender bite delivers a perfect balance of richness and zest.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible culinary creation.

Why You’ll Want Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

  • Conquer Crispy Textures: The chicken gets a perfect golden-brown exterior that crackles with every bite, creating an irresistible crunch that makes this dish incredibly satisfying.
  • Maximize Flavor Punch: Combining honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a bold, complex taste profile that transforms simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality meal bursting with sweet and savory notes.
  • Quick Kitchen Victory: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an ideal choice for home cooks wanting a delicious dinner without complicated techniques or lengthy preparation.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or impressing unexpected guests, this dish pairs beautifully with rice and can be customized with different garnishes to suit various preferences.

What You’ll Need For Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that becomes the main protein of this delicious dish.
Coating and Seasoning:
  • Cornflour, Salt, Pepper: Creates a crispy exterior and enhances the chicken's flavor.
Sauce and Flavor Builders:
  • Honey: Adds a sweet and sticky glaze to the chicken.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce: Brings tangy and umami notes to balance the sweetness.
Cooking Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps achieve a golden-brown sear on the chicken.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the garlic and sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust and aromatic flavor.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Chili Flakes: Adds a fresh herb touch and a hint of spice to the final dish.

How To Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Toss chicken thighs in a bowl with cornflour, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is completely covered with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Carefully place chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create Buttery Garlic Base

Add butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic, reducing heat to medium to prevent burning.

Step 4: Craft Flavorful Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Honey
  • Chicken stock
  • Rice vinegar
  • Soy sauce

Combine ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 5: Simmer and Glaze

Pour sauce into the pan with chicken. Increase heat to bring sauce to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and completely coat the chicken. Verify chicken is fully cooked with no pink center.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and chili flakes over the chicken. Plate immediately with boiled rice for a delicious meal.

Smart Tips For Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

  • Seal in Flavor: Coat chicken thoroughly with cornflour to create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and enhances taste.
  • Prevent Burning: Lower heat when adding garlic to prevent burning and maintain a rich, nutty flavor without bitterness.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce until it thickens and coats chicken evenly, creating a glossy, delicious glaze that clings to each piece.
  • Ensure Proper Cooking: Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee it's fully cooked and safe to eat without drying out the meat.
  • Elevate Presentation: Sprinkle fresh parsley and chili flakes for a pop of color and added layers of flavor that make the dish visually appealing and more complex.

Tasty Swaps For Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Honey Butter Garlic Chicken: Replace cornflour with gluten-free cornstarch or arrowroot powder to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Chicken: Add gochujang or Korean chili paste to the sauce for a fiery kick and authentic Korean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap honey with sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit syrup, and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos and add dried oregano, rosemary, and thyme to give the dish a Mediterranean-inspired herbal essence.

What Pairs Well With Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sweet and savory notes of the honey garlic chicken, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
  • Refreshing Side Companion: Prepare a light cucumber and herb salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the chicken's intense flavors and provide a cool, refreshing contrast.
  • Perfect Rice Enhancement: Mix steamed jasmine rice with some chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to elevate the dish's texture and add subtle nutty undertones that harmonize with the honey garlic sauce.
  • Bright Vegetable Counterpoint: Roast asparagus spears with a touch of olive oil and sea salt, creating a green vegetable side that adds nutritional balance and a fresh, slightly crisp element to the meal.

Best Storage For Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge for best quality and safety.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs About Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

  • Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just ensure they are cut to similar thickness for even cooking and adjust cooking time slightly as breasts cook faster.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure no pink remains.

  • Is it necessary to use cornflour for coating?

Cornflour helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan. It also helps thicken the sauce and gives a nice golden-brown color to the chicken.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 17-19 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey butter garlic chicken brings together sweet and savory flavors in a mouthwatering main dish. Crispy edges and tender meat promise a delightful meal that pulls you into comfort and culinary satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 8 chicken thighs (skinless and boneless)

Seasonings and Thickeners:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Sauce and Liquids:

  • 110 grams (1/3 cup) honey
  • 80 milliliters (1/3 cup) chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

Aromatics and Garnish:

  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Serving Suggestion:

  • Boiled rice

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with cornflour, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  2. Preheat large frying pan with vegetable oil at high temperature until shimmering.
  3. Carefully place coated chicken thighs into hot pan, searing for 4-5 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown crust on first side.
  4. Flip chicken and continue cooking for additional 2 minutes to develop color and seal in juices.
  5. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in pan, quickly stirring in minced garlic to prevent burning.
  6. Combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce in separate bowl, whisking until ingredients are fully integrated.
  7. Pour prepared sauce over chicken, allowing liquid to surround meat in pan.
  8. Increase heat to create rapid boiling, then immediately lower to gentle simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce and caramelize around chicken.
  9. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature and ensuring no pink remains in center.
  10. Transfer chicken to serving platter, drizzling remaining pan sauce over top.
  11. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle of chili flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
  12. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, ensuring chicken remains hot and sauce maintains glossy consistency.

Notes

  • Perfectly coat chicken by gently patting dry with paper towels before adding cornflour to ensure extra crispy exterior.
  • Adjust honey levels for individuals preferring less sweetness by reducing quantity or substituting with maple syrup for different flavor profile.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for faster cooking and easier preparation, ensuring consistent golden-brown color and tender meat texture.
  • Select low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and create balanced flavor without overwhelming the delicate honey and garlic combination.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 345 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star