Description
A quick, 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring sticky, glossy chicken thighs in a sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce. This recipe is easier than takeout, budget-friendly, and uses simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8–10 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon oil (for searing)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2–3 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- White rice, for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch chunks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss chicken pieces in cornstarch in a shallow bowl until lightly coated. Shake off excess.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce bubbles and thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, simmer for another minute.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and toss again.
- Serve immediately over steamed white rice, garnished with sliced green onions.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for a good sear. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. For a richer sauce, swirl in a tablespoon of cold butter at the end. This dish does not freeze well due to the butter and sauce separation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate with chicken
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: honey garlic chicken, butter chicken, takeout recipe, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, sticky chicken, gluten-free option, dairy-free option