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Honey Garlic Butter Chicken is beautifully presented in this mouthwatering featured image.

Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with juicy chicken coated in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce. The key is searing the chicken for maximum flavor and using a cornstarch slurry to create a beautifully thickened glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish optional
  • Sesame seeds for garnish optional

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • paper towels
  • spatula
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Add honey, butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth (this is your slurry). Pour the slurry into the skillet and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the honey garlic butter sauce.
  6. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for rice vinegar. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.