Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that combines succulent chicken thighs with a rich garlic and honey sauce. This quick recipe is not only perfect for busy weeknight dinners but also ideal for impressing guests. The balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors makes it a standout choice for any occasion.

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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
• Over Boiled Rice
• With Steamed Vegetables
• In Tacos
• On a Salad
• As Meal Prep
• With Crusty Bread
• How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• 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 recipe gluten-free?
• Can I add vegetables to this dish?
• How long does it take to prepare this meal?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet taste of honey makes this dish appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Easily Adaptable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken requires some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl for sauce mixing
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick frying pan or skillet: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, making it easier to handle the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for coating the chicken with cornflour and seasoning evenly.
• Small bowl for sauce mixing: Keeps the sauce ingredients organized before adding them to the pan.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

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 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 or skillet over high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

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

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir until combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Increase heat to bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce it back to a simmer and cook for about 4-5 minutes until thickened. Ensure that the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your dish with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Serve hot over boiled rice for an amazing meal experience!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Serving Honey Butter Garlic Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides, making it a fantastic choice for any meal.

Over Boiled Rice

• The tender chicken and sauce work beautifully over fluffy boiled rice, absorbing all the flavors.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Fresh steamed broccoli or green beans can add a nice crunch and balance the sweetness of the sauce.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with avocado, lettuce, and a drizzle of lime for a tasty twist.

On a Salad

• Top a bed of mixed greens with the chicken for a light yet filling meal. Add nuts or seeds for extra texture.

As Meal Prep

• Divide portions into meal prep containers with rice and veggies for an easy grab-and-go lunch during the week.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce for an indulgent touch.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

To ensure your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for better flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that golden brown color on each piece.
• Monitor Garlic Carefully: Watch the garlic closely as it cooks; burnt garlic can ruin the dish’s flavor.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste the sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or seasoning as needed.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken enhances its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
   A fragrant rice that absorbs the sweet and savory sauce perfectly.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy potatoes infused with garlic complement the dish’s rich flavors wonderfully.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a delightful crunch and bitterness that contrasts nicely.
4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool counterbalance to the richness of the chicken.
5. Sesame Noodles
   Tossed in sesame oil, these noodles are an Asian-inspired side that fits well with this dish.
6. Fried Plantains
   Sweet fried plantains bring a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with honey garlic chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, there are common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using too much cornflour: Adding excess cornflour can make the chicken coating too thick. Stick to the recommended amount for a light, crispy texture.
• Not heating the pan enough: If the skillet isn’t hot enough, the chicken won’t brown properly. Preheat your pan to ensure a golden crust.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter when overcooked. Add it after the chicken has browned and lower the heat to medium.
• Skipping the simmer step: Not allowing the sauce to simmer can result in a watery consistency. Make sure to simmer until it thickens for the best flavor.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken too soon can release its juices, making it dry. Let it rest briefly before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Honey Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F. Cover with foil and reheat for 12-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

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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 honey garlic sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Ensure even cooking by slicing them into strips or flattening them slightly.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers during cooking can enhance both flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to prepare this meal?

The total time from preparation to serving is just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different proteins or vegetables according to your taste. Its quick preparation makes it an excellent choice for any dinner table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!

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