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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken glistening with sauce is showcased as the featured image.
Lady Maria

Best Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken recipe combines sweet honey, pungent garlic, rich butter, and savory chicken for an unforgettable dish. It's a quick and versatile meal, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium recommended
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds optional

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • knife
  • medium bowl
  • Large skillet or wok
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • paper towels
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour (or cornstarch), salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using).
  3. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they're lightly coated.
  4. Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches.
  6. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  7. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  8. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  9. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar). Add the red pepper flakes (if using).
  10. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it slightly thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
  11. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the honey garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce.
  12. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  13. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and sesame seeds (if using).
  14. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the sauce while simmering. To adjust the sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or add a squeeze of lemon juice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.