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One Pan Butter Garlic Chicken – Juicy, Savory & Weeknight-Friendly!

One Pan Butter Garlic Chicken (Korean Soy Sauce Chicken)

Czarryy
This flavorful butter garlic chicken is sweet, savory, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a snack. With a hint of soy and honey, this Korean-inspired dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, all in one pan!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marination: 1 hour
Course Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Fusion,Korean-inspired
Servings 2
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Non-stick frying pan
  • Mixing bowl or plastic bag
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts (approx. 270g), or substitute with chicken thighs
  • 3 pinches of salt
  • A dash of black pepper
  • 2 sheets of gimbap seaweed (optional)
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • Cooking oil (for pan-frying)

Garlic Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 2.5 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3.5 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp cooking wine (or vinegar)
  • 15g unsalted butter

Optional Topping:

  • Crushed roasted peanuts or sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken:
    Slice chicken breasts into finger-sized strips. Place in a plastic bag or bowl with salt and pepper. Mix well and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Wrap (Optional):
    Cut seaweed sheets into small rectangles. Wrap each piece around a strip of chicken. Seal the ends using a bit of water.
  • Coat with Starch:
    Lightly dust each wrapped chicken piece with cornstarch to ensure crispiness when cooked.
  • Pan-Fry Chicken:
    In a pan with a little oil, cook chicken on low heat. Cook until about 70% done (the exterior should be white but not browned). Remove and wipe the pan clean of excess oil.
  • Make Garlic Sauce:
    In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Add soy sauce, cooking wine (or vinegar), and honey. Stir until well combined and slightly thickened.
  • Combine & Finish:
    Return chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce. Cook until fully coated, browned, and cooked through. Turn off the heat.
  • Garnish:
    Sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts or sesame seeds for crunch and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tips & Variations:

  • Don’t Overcook Chicken Breast: Cook only until the surface turns white before adding to the sauce—this keeps the meat tender.
  • Use Chicken Thighs: Juicier than breast and can handle a bit more cooking.
  • No Seaweed? Skip it—the flavor stays the same.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a dash of chili flakes or a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste).
  • Prep Ahead: Marinate and wrap chicken earlier in the day for faster cooking later.
Keyword easy chicken snack, Garlic chicken, Korean chicken recipe, one pan chicken, soy honey chicken