Honey Butter Chicken (Printable)
Crispy chicken coated in a luscious honey butter glaze with hints of garlic and spice.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
02 - 1 tsp salt
03 - ½ tsp black pepper
04 - 2 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
→ Sauce
05 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - ⅓ cup honey
07 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
08 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
09 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
11 - ¼ tsp chili flakes
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
13 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
# Directions:
01 - Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp butter and swirl to coat. Add chicken in a single layer. Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter. Once melted, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, paprika, and chili flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
05 - Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat. Cook 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to glaze the chicken.
06 - Sprinkle with parsley and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or with a crisp salad.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
- Even picky eaters who claim to hate trying new things will ask for the recipe
- Your kitchen will smell like buttery heaven while everything cooks
02 -
- Do not crowd the pan or your chicken will steam instead of getting that gorgeous sear
- The sauce thickens fast once it hits the heat so have your chicken ready to return immediately
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold straight from the fridge
03 -
- Double the sauce if you are serving over rice or pasta because everyone will want extra
- Maple syrup creates a deeper, more complex flavor if you want to switch things up