Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Sticky and tender, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dish that promises to impress. This delightful meal features succulent chicken thighs coated in a savory honey-garlic sauce, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with boiled rice. Your family will love the sweet and savory notes that come together in this mouthwatering recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a rich and delicious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out chicken thighs for breasts or even use gluten-free options to suit your dietary needs.
• Easy Clean-Up: One-pan cooking means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

To make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools on hand will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or frying pan: A good-quality skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Helps in tossing the chicken with seasonings for an even coat.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping garlic and garnishes with ease.

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

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

Add the unsalted butter to the pan once the chicken is browned. Allow it to melt before:
1. Stirring in minced garlic.
2. Reducing heat to medium to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, and light soy sauce. Stir until smooth.
1. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Increase heat to bring sauce to a boil:
1. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer.
2. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken well.
3. Ensure that all pieces are cooked through with no pink remaining.

Step 6: Serve

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

How to Serve Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Serving Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a delightful experience that can elevate any meal. The rich, sweet, and savory flavors of the chicken pair beautifully with various sides and garnishes, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

With Rice

• Steamed Boiled Rice: Serve the chicken over fluffy boiled rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fried Rice: Pair with stir-fried rice for added texture and flavor.

With Vegetables

• Sautéed Greens: Serve alongside sautéed bok choy or spinach for a fresh contrast.
• Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli adds a crunchy element that complements the softness of the chicken.

As a Wrap

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with chicken, garnished with fresh herbs.
• Tortilla Wraps: Roll the chicken in flour tortillas with avocado and salsa for a tasty handheld meal.

As a Salad

• Asian Salad: Mix the chicken with mixed greens, cucumbers, and sesame dressing for a light option.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

To achieve the best Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, follow these simple tips. They will help ensure your dish is flavorful and perfectly cooked every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile significantly compared to pre-minced options.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give chicken enough space in the skillet to cook evenly and get that golden crust.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until it coats the back of a spoon.
• Taste as You Go: Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust sweetness or saltiness according to your preference.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain moisture.
• Garnish Generously: Finish with fresh parsley and chili flakes for added color and flavor enhancement.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice: Lightly fragrant rice that absorbs all the delicious sauce from the chicken.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side.
3. Crispy Tempura Vegetables: Lightly battered vegetables add crunch and are perfect for dipping in extra sauce.
4. Asian Slaw: A mix of cabbage and carrots dressed in sesame oil provides freshness and crunch.
5. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with veggies offers a nutritious alternative that pairs well with honey garlic flavors.
6. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup can provide a soothing contrast to this hearty dish.
7. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings out the natural sweetness in the honey glaze of the chicken.
8. Pickled Vegetables: A tangy pickled vegetable medley can cut through the richness of the dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some key points to keep in mind.

• Bold seasoning – Not seasoning the chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always coat the chicken with salt and pepper for better taste.
• Bold heat control – Cooking at too high a temperature may burn the garlic and sauce. Keep the heat medium when adding garlic to prevent it from burning.
• Bold sauce consistency – Failing to let the sauce thicken properly can result in a watery dish. Simmer until the sauce coats the chicken well.
• Bold ingredient swaps – Using inappropriate substitutions can alter flavor profiles. Stick to recommended sauces and oils for an authentic taste.
• Bold overcooking – Overcooking chicken can make it tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Honey Butter Garlic Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Oven – Preheat to 180°C/350°F and reheat covered for about 12-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop – Warm on low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed, stirring frequently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is a quick and easy dish that features tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful honey and garlic sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just ensure they are sliced into even pieces for consistent cooking.

How do I make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with boiled rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can customize it by adjusting spice levels or adding vegetables like bell peppers. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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