1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat them thoroughly with flour or cornstarch for a crispy outer texture.
2. Melt butter in a hot pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until it achieves a golden-brown crust.
3. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by whisking together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic. This will form the signature sweet and tangy flavor.
4. Remove the chicken temporarily from the pan and pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
5. Reintroduce the seared chicken into the pan, coating it completely with the sticky sauce. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. For an optional spicy twist, stir in Korean red chili paste to the sauce to add a mild kick.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, parsley, or other fresh herbs like coriander for visual appeal and extra flavor before serving.
8. Serve the honey garlic chicken over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a balanced meal.