Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
- Chicken
- For frying
- Sauce
- Slurry
- Garnish (optional)
Preparation
-
1
Prepare the chicken: In a mixing bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, salt, pepper powder, egg, white pepper powder, and 1/2 cup corn flour / cornstarch (reserve the extra 1 tablespoon for later). Mix well until every piece is evenly coated. Let it rest while you heat the oil.
-
2
Heat the oil for frying in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small bit of the batter sizzles and rises to the surface immediately.
-
3
Fry the chicken in batches, without overcrowding the pan, until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel–lined plate. Set aside.
-
4
In a separate large pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
-
5
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown or burn, as this will make the sauce bitter.
-
6
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili flakes, and vinegar. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
-
7
In a small bowl, make a slurry by whisking the remaining 1 tablespoon corn flour / cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the 2 cups water until smooth, then stir in the rest of the water.
-
8
Pour the slurry into the pan with the sauce, stirring constantly. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, pourable consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
-
9
Return the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the honey garlic butter sauce.
-
10
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the coating absorbs some of the sauce.
-
11
Turn off the heat. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped parsley or cilantro, if using. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables.
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
Crispy bites of chicken tossed in a glossy honey garlic butter sauce is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a small celebration. This version, inspired by home–style Asian takeout flavors, uses pantry staples like soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes to balance the natural sweetness of honey and brown sugar.
The chicken is first coated in corn flour (cornstarch) and egg, which gives it a light, crisp exterior without feeling heavy. Once fried, the pieces are simmered briefly in a buttery garlic sauce sweetened with honey and lifted with a splash of vinegar. A hint of chili flakes adds just enough heat to keep each bite exciting.
Why this recipe works
- Crispy yet tender chicken: Corn flour / cornstarch and egg create a light, crunchy coating that protects the chicken from drying out.
- Balanced sweet–savory sauce: Honey and brown sugar are offset with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes for a restaurant-style glaze.
- Fast and family-friendly: About 30 minutes from start to finish, with ingredients you likely already have.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or even as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Serving & pairing ideas
- Spoon over steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the extra sauce.
- Pair with stir-fried or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Toss with noodles and a handful of green onions for a simple honey garlic chicken noodle bowl.
- Serve as a party appetizer with sesame seeds and chopped parsley or cilantro on top.
Make it your own
- For extra spice, sprinkle in more organic chili flakes or a pinch of organic cayenne pepper.
- Add vegetables (like diced bell peppers or snow peas) right after the garlic to turn this into a complete one-pan meal.
- Swap chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs for an even juicier result.
This honey garlic butter chicken is comfort food with a bit of a kick—simple enough for a busy weeknight, but impressive enough to share with guests.
Tips for better taste
The spice behind this recipe.
The fine base of good cooking. Dissolves quickly and seasons evenly – ideal for cooking, baking, and seasoning to taste.
Buy now
