Juicy pan-fried chicken thighs coated in sticky honey butter sauce — a quick, savory, and irresistible dish perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pan-Fried Honey Butter Chicken is a winning combination of simplicity and mouthwatering flavor. With only a few basic ingredients, it delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home. Whether you are looking for a comforting dinner, an impressive meal for guests, or a new family staple, this dish’s crispy texture and delicious honey butter sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

2 skin-on boneless chicken thighs (about 240 grams/8.5 oz)

Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp plain flour (for coating)
1 tbsp oil

2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp crushed chillies (optional)
3-4 tbsp butter

4 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)

Directions

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Lightly dust the skin side with plain flour to enhance crispiness.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and fry until golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same pan, melt a little butter and sauté the minced garlic and crushed chillies for a few seconds until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
Return the chicken to the pan, coating it well with the sauce. Allow it to absorb the flavors thoroughly.

Serve hot, paired with steamed rice and your favorite vegetables.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 385 kcal per serving

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add an extra teaspoon of crushed chillies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Lemon Twist: Squeeze fresh lemon over the chicken just before serving for a bright, tangy finish.
Ginger Flavor: Add a teaspoon of grated ginger with the garlic for a deeper Asian flair.

Vegetarian Version: Try using tofu or cauliflower florets, cooked the same way with the honey butter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover honey butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until thoroughly heated, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time to prevent drying out.

What is the best oil for frying the chicken?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Can I omit the crushed chillies?

Absolutely. If you prefer a milder dish, simply leave them out.

How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Dust the chicken generously with flour and make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and fry the chicken just before serving for best texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to butter?

Yes, you can use plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer longer or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch slurry if needed.

What sides pair well with honey butter chicken?

Steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad all complement it well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour for dusting and ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free.

How can I add more flavor to the sauce?

Add a splash of rice vinegar, mirin, or a few drops of sesame seeds to enhance the sauce even more.

Conclusion

Pan-Fried Honey Butter Chicken is an incredibly flavorful, quick, and easy dish that fits perfectly into any busy schedule. With its rich, savory-sweet glaze and tender chicken, it’s a surefire way to elevate your dinner routine. Whether you enjoy it fresh off the skillet or meal-prep it for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Pan-Fried Honey Butter Chicken

Author: Chef Clara

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy pan-fried chicken thighs coated in sticky honey butter sauce — a quick, savory, and irresistible dish perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Scale

2 skin-on boneless chicken thighs (about 240 grams/8.5 oz)

Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp plain flour (for coating)
1 tbsp oil

2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp crushed chillies (optional)
3–4 tbsp butter

4 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)

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Instructions

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Lightly dust skin side with plain flour.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Place chicken skin-side down and fry until golden and crispy. Flip and cook through. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, melt some butter and sauté garlic and crushed chillies until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Stir well and simmer until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to pan, coat well in the sauce, and cook briefly to absorb flavors.

Serve hot with steamed rice and favorite vegetables.

Notes

Ensure the pan is well-heated for crispier chicken skin.
Adjust spice level by varying the amount of crushed chillies.

Works great with jasmine or basmati rice and stir-fried veggies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired