If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and buttery flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture, then this Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Ready in just about 20 minutes, this recipe features tender chicken thighs coated in a delicate crispy crust and tossed in a luscious honey butter sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and indulgent, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed chicken any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and that irresistible glossy finish. From the tender chicken pieces to the sweet honey and rich butter, each component is simple but essential.
- Chicken thighs (1 lb, boneless skinless, cut into 2” pieces): These deliver juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender after cooking.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps create the perfect crispy coating that locks in moisture.
- Flour (1 tbsp, can use gluten-free): Adds light structure and helps the crispy crust brown beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Provides a subtle warm kick.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Infuses a gentle hint of garlicky depth into the coating.
- Garlic cloves (3, sliced thinly): When sautéed, add a fragrant punch to the buttery sauce.
- Avocado oil (1 tbsp): Perfect for searing thanks to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The star that delivers delicious natural sweetness and stickiness.
- Soy sauce or tamari (2 tbsp): Brings savory umami and a splash of saltiness.
- Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Balances the sweetness with a bright, tangy touch.
- Cold unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Added at the end, this enriches the sauce making it creamy and glossy.
- Finely chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a subtle herbaceous note at the finish.
How to Make Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces—this is perfect for quick, even cooking and easy eating. Then, in a large bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss your chicken pieces until they are evenly and lightly coated with this mix. This coating helps achieve that golden, crispy crust that’s so essential to this dish’s texture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Lay the chicken pieces carefully into the pan in a single layer to ensure they get that perfect sear. Cook each side for about 8 minutes until golden and crispy. This step locks in the juices while creating an irresistible crunch. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Add the Garlic
With the chicken removed, add the thinly sliced garlic cloves directly to the skillet. Sauté them for about a minute until fragrant and lightly golden. This intensifies their flavor and infuses the pan with that classic garlic aroma, which will marry beautifully with the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add the cold unsalted butter to the pan, letting it melt slowly in the garlic-infused oil. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar right after. This combination forms the signature sauce of our Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe, blending sweet, salty, and tangy notes together. For a thinner sauce consistency, you can gently splash in some water—this step helps the sauce coat the chicken pieces perfectly and glossily.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Pop the crispy chicken back into the pan and toss it gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with that sticky honey butter sauce. The heat helps the sauce cling and intensify, creating that addictive glaze you’re aiming for. Make sure every bite is gloriously sticky and flavorful.
How to Serve Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds just the right pop of color and a subtle herbaceous aroma that cuts through the richness. It’s this simple, fresh touch that elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, perfectly soaking up every bit of the sauce. For a lighter contrast, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables that bring texture variety and enhance the meal balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or simply make dinner feel extra special, serve the chicken over a bed of buttery garlic noodles or alongside pickled cucumbers for a refreshing bite. You can even use it as a star filling in soft bao buns for a fun twist on comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to 3 days and remain delicious, though the sauce may thicken after chilling—just reheat gently to restore its glossy charm.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that the crispy coating won’t stay as crunchy once thawed. If you plan to freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm the chicken through and loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the chicken from drying out and the sauce from separating—low and slow is the way to go!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but thighs are recommended because they remain juicier and more tender when cooked, especially in a quick method like this one.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour, and opt for tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure the recipe stays gluten free without compromising taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
While it’s best to make the honey butter sauce fresh to get that perfect glossy finish, you can prepare the base (honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar mix) in advance and add the butter and garlic when ready to cook.
How sticky is the sauce?
The sauce is perfectly sticky but not overwhelmingly thick; it clings beautifully to the chicken without being too syrupy, thanks to the butter and honey balance.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
Any neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil will work well for searing the chicken.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to dive into this Sticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe—it’s one of those gems that hits all the right notes and comes together in a flash. Whether you’re feeding family or looking to impress a dinner guest, this recipe delivers sweet, savory, buttery goodness with minimal effort. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite chicken dish!
PrintSticky Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
This Sticky Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. It features tender, crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce, enhanced with garlic and a hint of soy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless skinless, cut into 2” pieces)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp flour (you can use Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Cooking
- 3 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter
Garnish
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are lightly coated evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for about 8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Ensure each piece is well-seared for a perfect crunch. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Add the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add the cold unsalted butter to the pan. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create a glossy, sticky sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small splash of water to loosen it.
- Toss the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and toss well to coat each piece with the honey butter sauce evenly.
- Serve: Garnish the sticky honey butter chicken with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken.
- You can swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free as well.
- Ensure the butter is cold when adding to the sauce to achieve a glossy finish.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
