Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, glossy honey butter sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp flour (use gluten-free 1-to-1 if desired)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 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
• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture to coat evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced garlic to the same pan and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat and add the cold unsalted butter to the pan. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create the sauce. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss well to coat each piece in the sticky honey butter sauce.
6. Step 6: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, cook the chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs stay juicier.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free alternative.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the sauce glossy and the chicken crispy. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour or a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix instead of regular flour to keep the coating crisp and safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I serve with Sticky Honey Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a simple green salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors.

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 59 reviews

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously crispy and tender dish featuring bite-sized chicken thighs coated in a light flour-cornstarch mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a luscious sauce of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and cold butter for a glossy, sticky finish. Garnished with fresh parsley, this flavorful meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 2” pieces)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp flour (gluten-free 1 to 1 flour or regular flour)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Sauce and Cooking

• 3 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter

Garnish

• Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this dry mixture until they are lightly and evenly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the chicken is well-seared to achieve a perfect crunchy exterior. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the Garlic: With the chicken removed, add the thinly sliced garlic to the hot pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add the cold unsalted butter to the pan. Once the butter begins to melt, stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, combining everything into a smooth, sticky sauce. For a thinner sauce, add a small splash of water as needed.
5. Toss the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the glossy honey butter sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish the sticky honey butter chicken with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
• Use gluten-free flour to make the coating gluten-free.
• Adding a splash of water to the sauce helps adjust its thickness to your liking.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken; cooking it to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat.
• Using cold butter at the end helps create a shiny, rich sauce.

Keywords: Sticky Honey Butter Chicken, Crispy Chicken Thighs, Honey Butter Sauce, Easy Dinner Recipe, Chicken Skillet