Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, honey, and soy sauce. This quick recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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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
• Fresh Herbs
• Spicy Kick
• Accompaniments
• 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
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
• What side dishes go well with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• How do I store leftovers of Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• Can I customize this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap for diverse meal options.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the sweet and savory flavor profile of this chicken dish.
• Easy Cleanup: One pan is all you need, making cleanup a breeze after enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or skillet: Allows for even cooking of the chicken while providing enough space for the sauce to thicken.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for coating the chicken evenly with cornflour and seasonings.

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 fully coated. This step ensures that your chicken will have a crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic while reducing heat to medium to avoid burning it. This will infuse your oil with delicious garlic flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir until well mixed.
Pour this sauce into the pan with the chicken.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Increase heat to bring the sauce to a boil.
1. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer.
2. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
3. Ensure that the chicken is cooked through by checking that it’s no longer pink inside.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken with fresh parsley and chili flakes for an added burst of flavor. Serve hot over boiled rice as a hearty meal!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Serving Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful experience, as this dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes. You can elevate the meal with fresh herbs, spices, or even a splash of tangy flavor.

Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich sauce.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions bring a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.

Spicy Kick

• Chili Flakes: Adding chili flakes provides heat for those who enjoy a spicy twist on their chicken.
• Sriracha Drizzle: For an extra zing, drizzle some sriracha sauce over the chicken before serving.

Accompaniments

• Boiled Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy boiled rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair the dish with steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy balance.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best version of Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, consider these tips. They will ensure your dish stands out with flavor and texture.

• Use Skinless Thighs: Opting for skinless thighs will yield juicier meat without excess fat.
• Don’t Overcook: Keeping an eye on cooking times will prevent dry chicken; ensure it remains tender.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey amount based on your sweetness preference; less honey creates a more savory dish.
• Marinate for Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes can deepen flavors significantly.
• High Heat Cooking: Cooking on high heat initially helps to create a nice sear, locking in juices.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Pairing your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken with complementary sides can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that work well together.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite delightful.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread serves as a perfect way to scoop up any remaining sauce on your plate.
3. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful stir-fried bell peppers and snap peas add crunch and nutrition alongside the chicken.
4. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
5. Fried Rice: Packed with veggies and eggs, fried rice makes a filling and flavorful base for the chicken.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort food vibes while balancing the dish’s sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect Chicken Cuts: Using chicken breasts instead of thighs can lead to dryness. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy.
• Overcooking the Garlic: Burning garlic in the pan can create a bitter taste. Always add it after the chicken has started cooking and lower the heat.
• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate with salt and cornflour may result in less flavor. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If you don’t simmer long enough, the sauce won’t thicken properly. Make sure to let it reduce for 4-5 minutes.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold honey or stock can cool down the cooking process. Use room temperature ingredients for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Honey Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• item Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• item Use a freezer-safe container or bag; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 12-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

Yes, while chicken breasts can be used, they may dry out more easily than thighs. Consider flattening them for even cooking.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free. You can also check if your rice vinegar is gluten-free.

What side dishes go well with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with boiled rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers of Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust seasoning or add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for additional flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that’s both quick and satisfying. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients; this recipe is sure to impress!