Honey Butter Chicken

Crispy, golden chicken coated in a rich honey butter garlic sauce — this Honey Butter Chicken is comfort food at its best. The chicken is pan-seared to juicy perfection, then tossed in a buttery glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just a little bit indulgent. It’s a simple recipe that comes together fast but feels like something special, especially when served over warm rice to soak up every drop of that sauce.

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crispy honey chicken on a skillet

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup corn starch

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Step by step instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken
    Season the chicken thighs with soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, and garlic powder. Once well coated, dust them with a thin layer of cornstarch to help lock in the flavor and create a light crust.

  2. Pan-sear the chicken
    Heat a pan over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  3. Make the sauce
    In the same pan, melt butter over low heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

  4. Make the glaze
    Stir in soy sauce, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken thighs to the pan. Let them cook in the sauce until it thickens slightly, tossing occasionally to coat every piece.

  5. Serve and enjoy
    Slice the chicken into your preferred size, spoon extra sauce over the top, and serve hot with a bowl of rice.

crispy honey chicken on a skillet
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Honey Butter Chicken

Chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce, in just 30 minutes!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Keyword honey chicken
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 2
Cost $5

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup corn starch

Honey Butter Sauce

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic,minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, and garlic powder. Once well coated, dust them with a thin layer of cornstarch to help lock in the flavor and create a light crust.
  • Pan-sear the chicken: Heat a pan over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter over low heat. Add the diced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Make the glaze: Stir in soy sauce, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken thighs to the pan. Let them cook in the sauce until it thickens slightly, tossing occasionally to coat every piece.
  • Serve and enjoy: Slice the chicken into your preferred size, spoon extra sauce over the top, and serve hot with a bowl of rice.

Also try these out!:

  1. Honey Soy Chicken
  2. Char Siu chicken
  3. Creamy Miso Pasta