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High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken is a flavor-packed, quick, and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week. It’s designed to be both incredibly delicious and a powerhouse of protein, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts or anyone seeking a healthier, yet undeniably tasty, dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour optional, for a crispier coating
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water to create a slurry
  • fresh parsley or chives chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a better sear and allows the optional flour coating to adhere properly. If you desire a slightly crispier exterior, toss the chicken pieces in the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. If you prefer a lighter coating, skip the flour and simply season the chicken with salt and pepper.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
    1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic
  4. Pour in the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar) into the skillet with the butter and garlic. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
    0.25 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic
  5. Whisk the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
    1 teaspoon cornstarch
  6. Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic butter sauce. Toss the chicken gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the delicious sauce.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  7. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Serve the High-Protein Honey Garlic Butter Chicken immediately over your favorite cooked rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired for an extra burst of freshness and color.
    fresh parsley or chives, Cooked rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish

Notes

Ensure chicken is patted dry for better searing and coating adhesion. Sauté garlic carefully to avoid burning. The sauce should thicken to a glossy, syrupy consistency.