Go Back
To make Sticky Honey Butter Chicken, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and savory dish. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. Honey adds a sweet touch, while butter gives a rich flavor. Garlic brings warmth, and soy sauce adds depth. Apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness, balancing the taste. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness, and black pepper adds a gentle kick. Salt enhances all the flavors. Finally, parsley adds a fresh pop of color when you serve the dish. By gathering these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. 2. When it starts to melt, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. 3. Make sure the garlic is fragrant and golden, but don’t let it burn. 4. Next, stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. 5. Mix everything well. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps it thicken and coat the back of a spoon. 1. While the sauce cooks, season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt. 2. Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until it shimmers. 3. Carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook them for 5-7 minutes on each side. 4. Look for a golden brown color and check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 1. After the chicken is cooked, pour the honey butter sauce over the thighs in the skillet. 2. Gently stir to coat the chicken thoroughly. 3. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and cling to the chicken beautifully. - Checking chicken doneness: Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. - Optimal sautéing techniques: Heat your skillet until it shimmers. This helps the chicken brown nicely. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to keep the heat steady. - Additional spices to try: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat. You can also try Italian herbs for a different twist. Each spice will change the dish's profile, making it unique. - Suggestions for adjusting sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, reduce honey. You can also add more soy sauce for a savory touch. Balancing flavors is key to your taste. - Serving with sides: This dish pairs well with plain rice or quinoa. Try serving it with roasted veggies for color and nutrition. The contrast makes your plate pop. - Garnishing ideas: Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch. A slice of lime on the side can brighten the dish and add freshness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey will elevate the flavor of your sticky honey butter chicken significantly. Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or add a splash more soy sauce to balance the flavors. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile—don’t skip this step! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook quickly. They will still soak up the honey butter sauce nicely. Another option is using tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well. It’s a great choice for plant-based diets. Firm tofu works best. Just press it to remove excess water before cooking. You can also try other plant-based alternatives like tempeh or seitan. To add a twist to your sticky honey butter chicken, try adding citrus zest. Lemon or orange zest can brighten the dish. Just a little zest goes a long way in boosting flavor. Herbs can change the taste, too. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can add depth. Mix in a few herbs as you cook the chicken. They will enhance the overall flavor profile. For a family-style presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle the extra honey butter sauce over the chicken. Add some fresh parsley for color. This makes for a lovely centerpiece at the table. Individual plating is a great option for gatherings. Place each chicken thigh on a plate. Add a scoop of rice or veggies. Drizzle with sauce and top with parsley for a polished look. Enjoy the smiles as you serve this delicious dish! After you enjoy your sticky honey butter chicken, let it cool first. This helps keep the chicken from getting soggy. Store your leftovers in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Try to eat it within three days to keep it fresh. You can freeze sticky honey butter chicken for later. Make sure it cools down completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet until hot. Keep track of how long your chicken lasts. In the fridge, it stays good for about three days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Check for changes in smell or color. If it looks or smells off, it's best to throw it away. You can serve this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Fluffy rice: White or brown rice works well. It soaks up the sauce. - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers add color and crunch. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the sweet and savory chicken. - Salad: A fresh green salad cools down the meal and adds freshness. For flavors, pair the chicken with: - Sweet corn: It complements the honey well. - Coleslaw: The crunch adds texture and balances sweetness. - Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up that sticky sauce. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken: You can cook the chicken and let it cool. - Make the sauce: Prepare the honey butter sauce and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve: 1. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. 2. Add the sauce to the chicken as it warms up. 3. Cook until it’s heated through and the sauce is bubbly. No, this dish is not spicy. It offers a sweet and savory flavor. The smoked paprika adds depth but not heat. If you want a kick, try these tips: - Add red pepper flakes: Sprinkle some on while cooking. - Use spicy honey: It adds sweetness with a bit of heat. Adjust the flavor to your taste. Enjoy the mix of sweet and savory! This blog post covers how to make Sticky Honey Butter Chicken, from ingredients to cooking tips. You learned about the key ingredients, like chicken thighs, honey, and garlic. We walked through the steps for sauce prep and chicken cooking. I shared tips on flavor and presentation, plus storage info for leftovers. Enjoy experimenting with variations that suit your taste. This dish is easy to customize and serve. Now you can impress others with your cooking skills and enjoy delicious meals!

Sticky Honey Butter Chicken

A deliciously sticky and sweet chicken dish coated in a honey butter sauce with garlic and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thighs boneless, skinless chicken
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. As soon as it starts to melt, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  • Once the garlic is aromatic, stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Meanwhile, season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
  • In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking them for 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • After the chicken is cooked, pour the prepared honey butter sauce over the thighs in the skillet. Gently stir to coat the chicken, then continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and cling to the chicken beautifully.
  • Once the chicken is glistening and fully coated, remove it from heat and let it rest in the skillet for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and an aromatic touch.

Notes

Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keyword butter, chicken, easy, garlic, honey