Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful garlic, soy, and honey sauce. This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. With a balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors, this easy skillet recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Flavorful & Sticky: The honey garlic sauce creates a rich, glossy coating.
• Versatile: Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust sweetness, spice, or saltiness to your preference.

Preparation Phase & Essential Tools

Before you start cooking, gather the following essential tools:

• Large skillet or frying pan – Ensures even cooking and caramelization.
• Mixing bowl – For coating the chicken with seasoning.
• Tongs or spatula – Helps flip and handle the chicken easily.
• Small bowl – For mixing the sauce.
• Measuring spoons & cups – Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Preparation Tips

• Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up.
• Coat the chicken evenly with cornflour to enhance the sauce’s thickness.
• Mince the garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly.

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 (⅓ cup) honey
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) chicken stock
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce

To Serve:

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Boiled rice

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Place the chicken thighs in a mixing bowl.
• Sprinkle cornflour, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Toss until evenly coated.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
• Add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them to get a golden-brown crust.
• Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.

3. Add Garlic and Butter

• Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan.
• Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds, ensuring it does not burn.

4. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, combine:
  • Honey
  • Chicken stock
  • Rice vinegar
  • Light soy sauce
• Stir until well mixed.

5. Simmer and Thicken

• Pour the sauce over the chicken in the pan.
• Increase the heat and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
• Check that the chicken is fully cooked by cutting into a piece to ensure no pink remains.

6. Serve

• Garnish with fresh parsley and chili flakes.
• Serve hot over boiled rice.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you prefer a classic rice pairing or want to add more vegetables, here are some great serving options:

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice

The most traditional way to serve honey garlic chicken is over a bowl of steamed jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce, making every bite flavorful.

2. Garlic Butter Noodles

For a richer option, toss cooked noodles with garlic butter and a splash of soy sauce. This complements the sticky chicken while adding extra depth of flavor.

3. Stir-Fried Vegetables

A mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds freshness and crunch. Lightly stir-fry them in a bit of sesame oil and soy sauce for the best results.

4. Steamed Bok Choy

A simple, lightly seasoned bok choy or Chinese greens side dish balances the richness of the chicken with its mild, fresh taste.

5. Asian Cucumber Salad

A chilled cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, sticky chicken.

6. Sesame Roasted Sweet Potatoes

For a slightly sweet and nutty contrast, roast sweet potatoes with sesame oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the honey glaze.

7. Fried Rice

Transform this dish into a complete meal by serving it with homemade fried rice. A mix of eggs, peas, and carrots stir-fried with soy sauce creates a delicious combination.

8. Miso Soup

For a lighter pairing, a bowl of warm miso soup with tofu and green onions balances the meal and adds a comforting touch.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Even with a simple recipe like honey garlic chicken, small mistakes can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them and make the best version possible.

1. Overcrowding the Pan

Cooking too many chicken thighs at once prevents them from browning properly. To get a golden, crispy exterior, cook the chicken in a single layer and in batches if necessary.

2. Not Drying the Chicken

Moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents proper caramelization. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before coating it with cornflour to achieve a better sear.

3. Burning the Garlic

Garlic burns quickly, turning bitter and overpowering. To prevent this:

• Lower the heat before adding garlic.
• Stir constantly for 30 seconds to release its aroma without charring.

4. Sauce Too Thin or Too Thick

• If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer until it reduces and thickens.
• If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to loosen it up.

5. Using the Wrong Soy Sauce

Light soy sauce is ideal for this dish. Dark soy sauce is more concentrated and can overpower the balance of flavors. If you substitute dark soy sauce, use ¾ tbsp instead of 1 tbsp.

6. Skipping the Cornflour Coating

Cornflour helps the sauce cling to the chicken, creating a glossy finish. Skipping this step may result in a thinner, less flavorful coating.

7. Not Cooking the Sauce Long Enough

Bringing the sauce to a gentle boil and then simmering it for at least 4-5 minutes is crucial. This allows it to thicken and develop a rich, sticky consistency.

8. Overcooking the Chicken

Chicken thighs remain tender even if slightly overcooked, but they can dry out if cooked too long. Check for doneness by cutting into a piece; the inside should be completely white with no pink.

By keeping these key tips in mind, you’ll achieve perfectly sticky, flavorful honey garlic chicken every time.

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Recipe Tips & Variations

1. Using Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs

Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs, but they tend to be leaner and cook faster. To prevent dryness:

• Slice them into thick strips or pound them to an even thickness.
• Reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

2. Making It Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, replace:

• Light soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
• Chicken stock with a certified gluten-free version.
• Rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

3. Extra Crispy Chicken Option

For a crispier texture:

• Use a little more cornflour when coating the chicken.
• Cook the chicken slightly longer on each side before adding the sauce.

4. Adjusting the Sauce Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey slightly and add a little more soy sauce or vinegar for balance.

5. Adding More Spice

For extra heat, try:

• Adding 1 tsp of sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Doubling the chili flakes.
• Stirring in fresh chopped chilies while cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pan with a splash of water or chicken stock until warm.
• Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid uneven heating.
• Oven: Cover with foil and warm in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 12-15 minutes.

Reheating from Frozen

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Follow the same reheating methods as above.

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FAQs

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge. Reheat them together just before serving.

2. Can I Use Dark Soy Sauce Instead of Light Soy Sauce?

Yes, but reduce the amount to ¾ tbsp since dark soy sauce is more intense.

3. What Can I Use Instead of Rice Vinegar?

Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Add ¼ tsp sugar to balance the acidity.

4. How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Burning?

• Stir frequently, especially towards the end of cooking.
• If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of chicken stock.

5. Can I Double the Sauce for More Flavor?

Yes. Simply double the sauce ingredients and adjust the cooking time slightly to allow it to thicken properly.

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Conclusion

This honey garlic chicken is a fast, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite. With just 20 minutes of cooking time, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a quick homemade takeout alternative.

By following the tips on preparation, serving, and reheating, you can ensure the best results every time. Serve it with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.