Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, drizzle chicken with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.

In a liquid measuring cup or bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, chicken stock, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and optional chilli flakes. Whisk until well combined.

In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to form a slurry. Set aside.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with additional vegetable oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Sear chicken in batches without overcrowding the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden-brown and cooked through.

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously.

Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.

Return all cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece in the sticky glaze, and simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.

Transfer Honey Garlic Chicken to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over cooked rice.