Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is an irresistible dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the richness of garlic and butter. This quick recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a satisfying meal. Its unique flavor profile and ease of preparation make it a standout choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a deliciously sticky sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course paired with rice or vegetables, or as part of a larger spread.
• Easy Cleanup: Made in one pan, minimizing dishes and hassle after cooking.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the essential tools before you start. Having everything on hand will help you focus on creating this delightful dish without interruption.

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 enough space for even cooking of the chicken thighs.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the chicken with cornflour and seasoning ensuring an even coating.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient measurements for a balanced flavor.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching the pan’s surface.

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 they are fully coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat.
1. Add the chicken thighs to the pan.
2. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
3. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Add unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt before stirring in minced garlic. Reduce heat to medium to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

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

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Increase heat to bring sauce to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer:
1. Cook for about 4-5 minutes.
2. Allow sauce to thicken while ensuring chicken is fully cooked through without any pink remaining.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Serve hot over boiled rice for a complete meal!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Serving Honey Butter Garlic Chicken can elevate your dinner experience, making it not just a meal but a delightful event. Here are some creative serving suggestions that pair well with this dish.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serve the chicken over boiled rice to soak up the delicious sauce. The rice will balance the flavors and make for a filling meal.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Accompany the chicken with lightly steamed broccoli or carrots. This adds freshness and color to your plate while providing essential nutrients.

In a Wrap

• Use tortillas to create wraps filled with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, fresh lettuce, and sliced avocado. This makes for a fun and portable meal option.

With a Fresh Salad

• Pair the chicken with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad enhances the richness of the chicken.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a sharing platter with various sides like dips, pita bread, and assorted vegetables. This makes for an interactive dining experience perfect for gatherings.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best results when making Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives better flavor than pre-minced options, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey slightly to suit your taste.
• Marinate chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Check doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Add heat: If you enjoy spice, increase the amount of chili flakes or add sliced fresh chili into the sauce while simmering.
• Experiment with textures: For added crunch, consider topping your dish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts just before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

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

1. Fried Rice: A flavorful mix of rice stir-fried with vegetables and egg that complements the savory sweetness of the chicken.
2. Garlic Noodles: Tender noodles tossed in garlic butter that echo the flavors in your main dish.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad featuring sliced cucumbers dressed in vinegar and sesame oil for a crisp contrast.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs adds texture and is packed with protein for a healthy boost.
5. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned simply with salt and pepper provide hearty satisfaction alongside the chicken.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and adds an umami punch that pairs well with Asian flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken thighs for too long can make them dry. Always check that they are just cooked through and no longer pink.
• Skipping the Cornflour: Not using cornflour can lead to a sauce that doesn’t stick well to the chicken. Coat the chicken evenly for better flavor and texture.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Lower the heat when adding garlic to avoid bitterness in your dish.
• Not Tasting the Sauce: Failing to taste the sauce before serving may lead to an unbalanced flavor. Adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold chicken straight from the fridge can affect cooking time and texture. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F and reheat covered with foil for about 12-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs cooked in honey, garlic, and soy sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken breasts. Just slice them into thick strips for even cooking.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free.

What sides pair well with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

This dish goes great with boiled rice or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with noodles for a different twist.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time for this recipe is just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings according to your preference. Give this quick and easy recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!