Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dish that will become your go-to for weeknight dinners. This flavorful recipe features boneless chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a delightful garlic, soy, and honey sauce. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress with its sweet and savory notes.

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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
• Garnish Ideas
• Accompaniments
• Presentation Tips
• 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 in Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
• What sides go well with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?
• Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
• What are some variations of this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with vegetables, or on its own for a delicious meal.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you can whip it up anytime without needing special trips to the store.
• Customizable Recipe: Easy to adapt with different proteins or sauces to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl for sauce
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or skillet: Necessary for cooking chicken evenly while allowing space for the sauce to develop.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for coating the chicken with cornflour and spices.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent flavor.

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 bowl. Toss them with cornflour, salt, and pepper until fully coated. This step helps the chicken crisp up during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

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

Step 4: Make the Sauce

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

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Turn up the heat again to bring the sauce to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat each piece of chicken nicely.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken with fresh parsley and chili flakes before serving hot over boiled rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Serving Honey Butter Garlic Chicken can elevate your dining experience. The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with various side dishes and garnishes to create a delightful meal.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
• Chili Flakes: Add a pinch of chili flakes to enhance the dish’s flavor and give it a spicy kick.

Accompaniments

• Boiled Rice: Serve over fluffy boiled rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious balance.
• Salad: A crisp garden salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Presentation Tips

• Plate Artfully: Arrange the chicken neatly and drizzle some sauce over it for an appealing look.
• Use Colorful Plates: Brightly colored dinnerware can make your dish more visually appealing.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Perfecting Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season your chicken thighs well with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances overall flavor.
• High Heat Cooking: Start with high heat when searing the chicken. This creates a beautiful golden crust, sealing in juices.
• Monitor Garlic Closely: Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add it after the chicken has browned to prevent bitterness.
• Thicken the Sauce: Allow enough time for the sauce to simmer, which helps it thicken and cling nicely to the chicken.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness or saltiness by sampling the sauce during cooking. This ensures balanced flavors.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

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

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fragrant base that complements the sweetness of the dish beautifully.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic add richness alongside this sweet chicken.
3. Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Crisp bok choy tossed in soy sauce is a light, crunchy counterpoint to the chicken.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness matches perfectly with honey, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
5. Asian Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage and carrots gives a crunchy contrast that refreshes the palate.
6. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus offers an earthy taste that balances out the dish’s sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the Cornflour: Not coating your chicken thighs in cornflour can lead to a less crispy texture. Always toss the chicken well to ensure even coating.
• Overcooking the Garlic: Burning garlic can make your sauce bitter. Add it after the butter melts and lower the heat to prevent burning.
• Using Old Honey: Old honey may not provide the best flavor. Ensure your honey is fresh for a sweeter, more vibrant taste.
• Not Simmering Long Enough: Failing to let the sauce simmer can result in a thin consistency. Allow it to thicken for 4-5 minutes for optimal flavor.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season with salt and pepper will dull the overall taste. Always season your chicken before cooking for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Honey Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and cover with foil while reheating for about 12-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power, checking every minute until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. 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, replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free chicken stock.

What sides go well with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

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

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during cooking for added nutrition and flavor.

What are some variations of this recipe?

Consider adding spices like paprika or chili powder for extra heat, or try using different vinegars like apple cider vinegar.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is not only quick but also packed with flavors that will impress everyone at your dinner table. Its versatility allows you to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping ingredients as needed. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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