Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and honey in a quick recipe. Ideal for weeknight dinners, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it suitable for family gatherings or casual entertaining. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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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 Rice
• With Greens
• Garnished
• 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
• What can I serve with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
• How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
• What should I do with leftovers?
• Can I customize this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out chicken thighs for breasts or adjust the sauce ingredients to your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory notes of this chicken dish.
• Easy Cleanup: One-pan cooking means fewer dishes to wash after enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essentials. Having the right tools makes everything easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing the sauce to reduce properly.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing the chicken with cornflour, ensuring even coating for better texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients for perfect flavor balance.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware while mixing everything together.

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 coating helps achieve a crispy texture.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet over high heat.
1. Add the coated 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 cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Once the chicken is nearly done, add unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt completely before stirring in minced garlic. Reduce heat to medium to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

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

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Increase heat to bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce heat again to simmer for about 4-5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken while coating each piece of chicken thoroughly.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your delicious Honey Butter Garlic Chicken with freshly chopped parsley and chili flakes for an extra pop of flavor. Serve hot over boiled rice for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes, making it a great choice for any meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The classic option, steamed white rice absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Fried Rice: For added flavor and texture, serve the chicken over fried rice mixed with vegetables.

With Greens

• Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
• Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach adds nutrition and a pop of color to your plate.

Garnished

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

To ensure your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor more than pre-minced options.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches helps achieve that golden-brown crust on each piece of chicken.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your sauce before adding all the honey; feel free to reduce it based on your preference.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Let the sauce simmer until it coats the back of a spoon for an ideal consistency.
• Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking ensures juiciness.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken can enhance flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Adds a nutritious crunch that complements the sweet and savory chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
3. Crispy Green Beans: Lightly sautéed or roasted green beans add texture and brightness.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes provides a healthy grain option.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the sweetness of the dish.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Cornflour: Not coating the chicken thighs with cornflour can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. Always ensure the chicken is well-coated for better texture.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many chicken thighs at once can cause steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if needed to achieve a nice golden brown color.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can quickly burn and become bitter. Keep an eye on it after adding it to the pan and reduce the heat if necessary.
• Not Checking for Doneness: Relying solely on cooking time may lead to undercooked chicken. Always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F) before serving.
• Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If you don’t allow the sauce to simmer long enough, it may be too thin and won’t cling to the chicken properly. Simmer until thickened for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Allow to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date for tracking.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Place in a covered dish and heat for about 12-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pan, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of water if needed to avoid sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

You can serve this dish over boiled rice or alongside steamed vegetables. It pairs well with both options for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just slice them into thick strips or flatten them for even cooking.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken gluten-free, swap soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free chicken stock. Ensure your rice vinegar is also gluten-free.

What should I do with leftovers?

Store leftover Honey Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated using one of the methods outlined above.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or add extra spices like ginger or chili paste for more heat.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different ingredients or sides according to your taste preferences. Give this delightful dish a try, and enjoy its sticky, flavorful goodness!

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