Name: Honey Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 garlic cloves sliced; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter; Chopped parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Honey Butter Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a glossy, irresistible glaze. If you are looking for a fast and satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Tender chicken thighs cook until golden and crispy, then bathe in a rich honey butter sauce that coats every bite. The result is bold flavor with minimal effort. Whether you need an easy family dinner or a quick weeknight option, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and tastes like something far more elaborate.

Story

I started making Honey Butter Chicken on busy weeknights when I needed something dependable and satisfying. Over time, this Honey Butter Chicken became a go-to because it combines pantry staples with bold flavor. The first time I tested this glazed chicken recipe, I focused on achieving a crispy exterior without drying out the meat. That balance changed everything.

What makes Honey Butter Chicken stand out is the contrast between crispy chicken and silky sauce. While many sweet savory chicken recipes lean too sweet, this version stays balanced thanks to soy sauce and rice vinegar. As a result, every bite feels rich but never heavy. Now, whenever I want a reliable easy family dinner, I reach for this sticky butter chicken recipe without hesitation.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon avocado oil

Honey Butter Sauce

¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
Finely chopped parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Cut the chicken thighs into evenly sized 2-inch pieces to promote even cooking. In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until lightly and evenly coated. Shake off excess coating to prevent clumping in the pan.

Cooking Instructions

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken develops a proper crust. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.

Add the sliced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low. Add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan, stirring to combine. Then add the cold butter and stir until melted and glossy. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until everything thickens slightly. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if necessary. Also, avoid flipping the chicken too early. Let it form a crust before turning. Finally, do not add butter too early; otherwise, the sauce may separate instead of becoming glossy.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts because they stay tender and juicy. Add a small splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. For extra depth, allow the sauce to bubble gently before returning the chicken. If you want additional texture, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve this sweet savory chicken over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or fluffy brown rice. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or stir-fried greens. Because the sauce is rich and glossy, rice helps absorb every drop. For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce texture. Add a splash of water to loosen the glaze if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power, as this may dry the chicken.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create bold, satisfying flavor. With its crisp exterior and silky glaze, this sticky butter chicken recipe works perfectly for busy weeknights or casual dinners. It requires minimal prep, cooks quickly, and delivers consistent results. Try it once, and it will quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but cut it evenly and avoid overcooking. Because breast meat is leaner, reduce cooking time slightly to maintain tenderness.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and substitute a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Cornstarch remains the same.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in advance. However, add the cold butter only when cooking to maintain the glossy finish.