Description
Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken is a quick, irresistible skillet dish featuring crispy chicken thighs coated in a lightly seasoned flour and cornstarch mix, then glazed with a luscious honey butter sauce enhanced by soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner that combines delicious sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture to lightly coat each piece, ensuring an even layer for a crispy texture when cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the sliced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it as this will impart a delicious aroma to the sauce.
- Create the sauce: Lower the heat and add the cold unsalted butter to the skillet so it melts slowly. Stir in honey, soy sauce or tamari, and rice vinegar. Mix everything thoroughly to combine, and optionally add a splash of water if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
- Coat the chicken: Return the crispy chicken pieces to the skillet and gently toss them in the honey butter sauce until evenly coated, allowing the flavors to meld and coat every bite.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the sauced chicken for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, ensure oil is hot before adding chicken.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Add a splash of water to adjust sauce thickness to your liking.
- Can be served with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic when sautéing for best flavor.
