If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that tastes like pure comfort but comes together in a flash, you are absolutely going to adore this Honey Butter Chicken. Think irresistible bites of crispy chicken, cloaked in a glossy, garlicky honey butter glaze that balances salty, sweet, and tangy—all in about 30 minutes. It’s a guaranteed family favorite and feels just a little bit fancy (while secretly being one of the simplest recipes you’ll ever make!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Addictive: Each piece of chicken is coated in a sticky honey butter sauce you’ll want to lick right off the plate.
- Quick and Effortless: The entire dish is ready in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something fab without the fuss.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: All you need are pantry staples, but the combination brings out next-level taste and texture in every bite.
- Family-Friendly Crowdpleaser: This Honey Butter Chicken is mild, cozy, and universally loved—even picky eaters become instant fans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Honey Butter Chicken is how surprisingly simple the ingredient list is. Every item serves a purpose—whether it’s adding golden crispiness, a subtle umami, or that luscious, sweet richness that hugs every bite of chicken.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay wonderfully juicy and tender, even after crisping in the pan (but you can use breast if you prefer; see Variations below).
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting helps create a crisp, golden coating that soaks up the honey butter sauce.
- Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: These seasonings ensure the chicken is flavorful all the way through, not just on the surface.
- Butter (unsalted): Used in both the pan-frying and the sauce, butter gives this recipe its rich, velvety texture and signature flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning when frying, and contributes to a perfect, crispy chicken crust.
- Honey: The star of the sauce—use a good quality honey for the best sweet and floral notes.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds just the right touch of tang, balancing the sweetness and giving the sauce a lively finish.
- Soy Sauce: A dash of soy sauce deepens the umami and rounds out the glaze with savory complexity.
- Salt & Black Pepper (for the sauce): Fine-tunes the overall flavor, making sure your Honey Butter Chicken hits all the right notes.
Variations
One of the joys of Honey Butter Chicken is how effortlessly it adapts to your kitchen and cravings! Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or just yearning for a fun twist, these swaps keep your dinner exciting and personalized.
- Use Chicken Breast: Swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer them—just watch the cook time so they stay juicy.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes, hot honey, or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for a gentle kick that wakes up the taste buds.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend or even cornstarch for a similar crispy coating.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Use a quality vegan butter alternative in place of the unsalted butter for a totally dairy-free version that still tastes fantastic.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by tossing your diced chicken thighs in a seasoned mixture of flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. This step creates the base for a shatteringly crisp exterior, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Make sure each piece is evenly coated—use your hands, it’s the quickest method and so satisfying!
Step 2: Fry Until Crispy and Golden
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a little butter with olive oil. When the mixture is hot and shimmering, add the coated chicken pieces, spacing them out so they can really crisp—not steam! Resist the urge to fuss. Let them get beautifully golden on one side before flipping and finishing the other. This gives you irresistibly crisp, flavorful chicken bites.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is perfectly golden and cooked through, remove it from the pan and turn the heat down a notch. Add the rest of your butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Gently simmer and stir until the sauce thickens into a pourable, glossy glaze—almost like a thin caramel. Trust your nose—if it smells heavenly, you’re there!
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Slide the fried chicken back into the pan, tossing with the thickened honey butter sauce until every piece is luscious and sticky. Serve immediately, and watch the sauce lovingly cling to each bite. Honestly, you won’t want to wait!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Butter Chicken
- The Crispier, The Better: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the chicken in batches if needed to keep each piece beautifully crispy and ensure even browning.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Keep the honey butter sauce simmering just until it lightly coats the back of your spoon—a little patience here pays off with a luscious, sticky glaze.
- Slice Chicken Evenly: Cut your chicken into uniform bite-size chunks for even cooking and the best saucy-to-meaty ratio.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the most vibrant flavor, check that your garlic and onion powders are fresh—they’re the hidden heroes in this savory-sweet masterpiece!
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Garnishes
To make your Honey Butter Chicken absolutely shine, sprinkle a flutter of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. For a bit of crunch and color, try thinly sliced green onion or a handful of toasted sesame seeds—each adds a little restaurant-worthy flair.
Side Dishes
This dish begs to be spooned over fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up every drop of that irresistible sauce. For something extra, serve it alongside buttered mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, with a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed greens to brighten up each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Honey Butter Chicken shines in a rice bowl sprinkled with sesame seeds, but you can get playful—pile it into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option or fold it into soft, warm tortillas for the ultimate sweet-savory tacos. A little drizzle of extra sauce never hurts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and the sauce infuses the chicken even more, making the leftovers surprisingly irresistible!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish. Let the chicken fully cool, pack into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible—this keeps the chicken’s texture closer to freshly made when you reheat and serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, but for the crispiest results, give the chicken a quick pass in a hot oven or skillet to revive that mouthwatering texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Honey Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can fry the chicken and prepare the honey butter sauce separately ahead of time. Store both in the fridge, then simply reheat and toss together just before serving for the best fresh flavor and texture.
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Is it possible to double the recipe?
Absolutely—this Honey Butter Chicken recipe scales beautifully. Just make sure to fry the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, ensuring perfect crispiness on every piece.
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken breast works well—just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat dries out more easily than thighs. Cut your breast meat into even chunks for the best result.
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What can I substitute for honey if I’m out?
If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or even agave nectar can be used in a pinch for a similar sweet, sticky glaze. Each will bring its own flavor personality to your Honey Butter Chicken!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a homey, joy-sparking dinner that never fails to impress, this Honey Butter Chicken needs to be your next kitchen adventure. It comes together with almost no effort, but delivers flavor and comfort in every saucy bite. Try it once and it just might become your go-to “what’s for dinner?” answer!
Print
Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.3lb / 600g boneless skinless Chicken Thigh, diced into large bite sized chunks
- 1/3 cup / 50g Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/3 cup / 110g Honey
- 5 tbsp / 75g / 2.6oz Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Coat the diced chicken in the mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a pan. Fry the chicken until crispy and golden on both sides.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter in the pan, then add honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Coat the chicken in the sauce and serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to suit your taste.
- For extra flavor, you can sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 400 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 20g
- Sodium: Approx. 600mg
- Fat: Approx. 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 20g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 100mg
