Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort food: Honey Butter Chicken. Imagine juicy, golden bites of chicken smothered in a buttery, honey-kissed glaze that’s zippy with apple cider vinegar and savory with soy. This recipe delivers fast, feel-good flavor that’s both family-friendly and totally crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Savory Harmony: The balance of rich honey, creamy butter, and salty-savory soy makes every bite of Honey Butter Chicken pop with flavor.
- Oh-So-Crispy Chicken: A quick flour coating on the chicken thighs creates the most irresistible golden crust—no deep frying required.
- Speedy Comfort Food: You’ll have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Ultra-Coatable Sauce: Silky honey butter caramel clings to every nook and cranny, making this dish totally spoon-licking good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical recipes where a handful of everyday ingredients come together for major wow-factor. Each ingredient plays a delicious role, delivering juicy chicken, gorgeous color, and a seductive sweet-savory sauce you’ll want on repeat.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor—perfect for stand-out bites that stay moist.
- Flour: A light dusting ensures a crispy, golden crust on the chicken pieces without deep frying.
- Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Essential for perfectly seasoned chicken that shines even before the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: The star of the sauce, lending richness, gloss, and that irresistible honey-buttery flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps the butter prevent burning and adds another layer of savory depth while cooking the chicken.
- Honey: Brings sweetness and a luscious, sticky glaze that makes the chicken shine (literally and figuratively!).
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds just the right tang to balance all that velvety richness.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of umami that brings everything together and deepens the color of the sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): For seasoning and a final savory kick.
Variations
Honey Butter Chicken is endlessly versatile, and it’s a breeze to tweak the recipe to suit your mood, what’s in your fridge, or any food sensitivities. Here are a few of my favorite riffs and swaps to inspire you:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle with hot honey to bring gentle heat to the glaze.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend for a celiac- and allergy-friendly take.
- Lemon-Twist: Stir in a splash of fresh lemon juice or zest to brighten up the sauce, making it zippier and fresh.
- Lean & Light: Substitute boneless skinless chicken breast for the thighs to lighten things up—just be sure not to overcook for maximum juiciness.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by combining flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Toss in your diced chicken thighs and coat every piece thoroughly—this quick toss gives a light, seasoned crust that turns beautifully crispy in the pan.
Step 2: Fry to Crisp Perfection
Heat up a large pan with a blend of butter and olive oil. Once the butter melts and mingles with the oil, add the chicken and space it out for maximum sizzle. Let the pieces fry undisturbed until deeply golden on one side, then flip to crisp and lightly char the other. The center should be piping hot—don’t rush this part; it’s the secret to all that irresistible texture!
Step 3: Make the Dreamy Honey Butter Sauce
With the chicken cooked, lower the heat and melt the remaining butter right in the same pan. Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Keep stirring and let the sauce gently bubble until it thickens into a thin caramel consistency—it should coat the back of a spoon and smell absolutely intoxicating.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir until every nook is slicked with the glossy honey butter sauce. Serve immediately and get ready for some seriously happy faces at your table!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Butter Chicken
- Thighs Over Breasts: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than breast meat—don’t skip this swap unless absolutely necessary!
- Space Your Chicken: Giving your chicken chunks room in the pan ensures they sear instead of steam, so every bite gets that golden crisp crust.
- Sauce Consistency: Watch the sauce like a hawk—once it turns glossy and just coats a spoon, it’s time to add the chicken back. Don’t over-reduce or you’ll lose the lusciousness.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Taste your honey! Some are sweeter than others, so adjust the honey and vinegar ratios to find your perfect sweet-tangy spot.
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Honey Butter Chicken is gorgeous as-is, but a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. Toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions bring a subtle crunch and flair that make every serving look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pile your glistening chicken over fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or crisp steamed veggies for the perfect comfort food plate. It’s also delicious with a simple salad or even tucked into a warm bun for a sweet-savory sandwich twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Honey Butter Chicken in appetizer-sized lettuce cups at your next gathering—just spoon the saucy bites into sturdy leaves and sprinkle with extra herbs for a party-friendly treat. Or, for a playful dinner, skewer the pieces onto wooden sticks and drizzle with extra sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Chicken holds up beautifully in the fridge—just pop it into an airtight container and store for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for some truly tasty next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze Honey Butter Chicken once cooled; simply transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to two months, perfect for stashing away single servings of weeknight magic.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Give everything a good stir and enjoy that glossy, flavorful coating all over again.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine for Honey Butter Chicken, though it’s leaner and can dry out more easily—so keep an eye on cook time and don’t overdo it.
-
Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?
You can dial back the honey or add a little extra apple cider vinegar to balance out the sweetness to your taste. Feel free to experiment with the ratios until it’s just right for you.
-
What’s the best way to re-crisp leftovers?
Pop the leftover chicken under the broiler for a minute or two, or heat in a hot skillet—just a quick blast will help revive that irresistible exterior without overcooking the inside.
-
Can I make Honey Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the chicken and prep the sauce ahead—just store separately in the fridge and combine right before serving to keep everything at peak crispness and sauciness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Honey Butter Chicken a try soon—it’s impossible to resist, always a hit with company, and brings such a cozy, golden glow to any meal. Let me know how it turns out and don’t be surprised when it becomes a new favorite at your table!
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: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chunks of chicken are coated in a crispy flour mixture, then tossed in a luscious honey butter sauce that is simply irresistible.
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: Combine flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat diced chicken in the mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a pan. Fry chicken until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter in the pan. Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Toss fried chicken in the sauce until coated. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Dice the chicken into large pieces for juicy bites.
- Cut butter into chunks for easy melting in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
