Sticky Honey Butter Chicken (Ready in 20 Minutes!) Recipe
Introduction
Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and delicious meal ready in just 20 minutes. This dish features tender chicken thighs coated in a flavorful honey butter sauce with a hint of garlic and soy. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2″ pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon flour (Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1 can be used)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Honey Butter Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
- Step 5: Pour the honey mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cold unsalted butter until melted and the sauce is glossy.
- Step 7: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve immediately over rice or your choice of side.
Tips & Variations
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Switch avocado oil for sesame oil to add a nutty flavor twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve over steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to preserve the sauce’s texture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used but they may cook faster and be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store separately. Reheat together just before serving to keep the sauce fresh and sticky.
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Sticky Honey Butter Chicken (Ready in 20 Minutes!) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sticky Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines a delicate balance of honey, soy sauce, and garlic with the richness of butter, creating a luscious glaze that clings to every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless, cut into 2” pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon flour (Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1 suggested)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Honey Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- Garnish: finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken thigh pieces in this mixture until evenly coated for a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Sear the Garlic and Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1 minute. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and rice vinegar. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
- Glaze the Chicken: Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Add the cold unsalted butter in small pieces, stirring continuously until the butter melts and the sauce thickens into a sticky glaze that clings to the chicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and transfer the sticky honey butter chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, ensure gluten-free flour and tamari are used instead of soy sauce.
- Use avocado oil or any high smoke point oil for best results when searing the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of honey based on desired sweetness level.
- Be careful when adding the butter to avoid curdling; keep heat moderate.
- Serve with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey Butter Chicken, Sticky Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipe, Gluten Free Chicken, Weeknight Dinner, Chicken Thighs

