Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This quick recipe makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that impresses everyone at the table, making it a must-try for any chicken lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce delivers a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for serving with rice or as part of a larger feast; it adapts to your dining needs.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavor profile tends to appeal to children and picky eaters alike.
• Easy Cleanup: Made in one pan, this recipe minimizes mess and simplifies cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to gather the right tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or skillet: Provides enough space for even cooking of chicken thighs.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for tossing the chicken with cornflour and seasoning before cooking.
• Spatula or tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken without breaking it apart.

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.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

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

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Add the unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt. Stir in minced garlic while reducing heat to medium to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

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

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Turn up the heat to bring the sauce to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.
1. Cook for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
2. Ensure that chicken is cooked through; no pink should remain in the center.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish your dish with fresh parsley and chili flakes. Serve hot over boiled rice for an inviting meal. Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Garlic Chicken!

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its sticky, sweet, and savory flavors make it versatile for different meals and occasions.

Over Boiled Rice

• A simple and classic choice, boiled rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing with steamed broccoli or green beans adds a healthy touch and vibrant color to your plate.

In Tacos

• Use warm tortillas to wrap the chicken with some fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, or salsa for a fun twist.

On a Salad

• Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens with your favorite dressing for a refreshing meal that’s light yet satisfying.

As a Sandwich

• Place the honey butter garlic chicken between two slices of bread or in a bun for an easy lunch option.

With Noodles

• Toss the chicken with noodles and some extra sauce for an Asian-inspired pasta dish that’s quick to prepare.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

To achieve the ideal texture and flavor for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, consider these tips:

• Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced options, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the chicken space while cooking to ensure it browns evenly without steaming.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey slightly or add more soy sauce for balance.
• Allow sauce to thicken: Simmering the sauce longer will help it coat the chicken better, providing a richer flavor.
• Marinate beforehand: For added depth of flavor, marinate your chicken thighs in soy sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Garnish generously: Fresh parsley and chili flakes not only enhance presentation but also add fresh flavors that elevate this dish.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A quick stir-fry of leftover rice with peas, carrots, and eggs enhances the meal’s heartiness.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and acidity that balances out the sweetness of the chicken.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create an indulgent pairing that contrasts nicely with the sticky chicken.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and texture while keeping things healthy.
6. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs harmoniously with this dish’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Cornflour Coating: Not coating the chicken in cornflour can lead to a less crispy texture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for the best results.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Monitor cooking time closely and check for doneness.
• Burning the Garlic: Adding garlic at too high a temperature can cause it to burn. Always lower the heat before adding minced garlic to preserve its flavor.
• Not Simmering Long Enough: Failing to simmer the sauce may result in a watery consistency. Allow enough time for the sauce to thicken properly.
• Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using low-quality honey or soy sauce can diminish flavor. Choose high-quality ingredients for a more delicious meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Honey Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Use an airtight container or freezer bag for best results.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat for about 12-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or stock, and cook until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a quick dish made with tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory sauce of honey, garlic, and soy sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Slice them into thick strips or pound them flat for even cooking.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari and ensure your chicken stock is also gluten-free.

How long does it take to cook Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

This quick recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or serving it with different sides. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep! Try this recipe today and enjoy its rich flavors!