If you’ve been craving a quick, craveable dinner that hits every possible comfort note, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Honey Butter Chicken. With perfectly crisp chicken pieces coated in a luscious, garlicky honey butter sauce, this is the kind of recipe that’ll have everyone racing to the table—and begging for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Satisfying: The juicy chicken with that caramelized honey butter coating is pure comfort with every single bite.
- Quick & Easy: You can whip up Honey Butter Chicken in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Family Friendly: Sweet, savory, and just a hint of garlicky goodness—this is a dish that wins over both kids and grown-ups every time.
- Incredibly Adaptable: Whether you like spice, need gluten-free, or only have chicken breasts on hand, this recipe moves with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Honey Butter Chicken is that it transforms a short list of everyday ingredients into something completely irresistible. Each component builds into that ultra-satisfying blend of crispy, saucy, sweet, and savory. Here’s what you need to make dinner magic:
- Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders (800g): I recommend thighs for extra juiciness, but tenders and breasts work just fine—just keep them boneless for easy eating.
- Flour (⅔ cup): This gives the chicken a lightly crisp coating that soaks up all that dreamy sauce.
- Kosher salt (1 tsp) & Black pepper (½ tsp): Essential for seasoning every layer, inside and out.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): A subtle hit of umami that builds more depth into your savory crust.
- Olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil (3 Tbsp): Use what you have—just make sure to get the pan nice and hot for a golden finish.
- Honey (⅓ cup): The star of the sauce, adding that gorgeous, glossy sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (100g): Richness and flavor in every bite—using butter makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
- Fresh garlic, minced (2 cloves): For bold, aromatic depth in the honey butter sauce.
- Light soy sauce (2 Tbsp): Balances sweetness with a splash of savory and a whiff of umami.
Variations
One of my favorite parts about Honey Butter Chicken is just how forgiving and creative you can get with it! Think of this as your base recipe—mix and match the ingredients or flavors based on your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs for an equally swoon-worthy result.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a dash of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce if you’re craving a bit of heat.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for your favorite gluten-free blend or a combo of cornstarch and rice flour for a light, crispy finish.
- Swap the Protein: Try this with shrimp or firm tofu for a fun twist—the sauce is just as irresistible!
- Citrus Zing: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or orange zest to the sauce right before finishing for a sunny flavor boost.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by combining the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl or flat plate. Add your chicken pieces and toss until every piece is evenly coated—this quick dusting is what forms that lightly crispy “shell” to hold the sauce.
Step 2: Pan-Fry for Golden Perfection
Heat a large pan over medium-high and add your oil. Arrange your coated chicken pieces in a single layer, then try not to futz with them! Let them cook undisturbed for around 5 minutes, then flip once, cooking until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Remove them to a plate—you want them resting and ready for their glossy sauce bath.
Step 3: Make That Irresistible Honey Butter Sauce
In the same pan, add your butter and let it melt, then toss in the honey, minced garlic, and light soy sauce. Stir everything together and let it bubble gently, just until fragrant and slightly thickened—about 2 minutes. The aroma alone will have you swooning!
Step 4: Coat & Serve
Return your fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat every morsel in that dreamy, sticky honey butter glaze. Let it cook for a minute more so the sauce clings to the crispy coating. Serve piping hot, straight from the pan—trust me, it’s pure bliss!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Butter Chicken
- Let It Sizzle, Don’t Stir: For a truly crispy crust, resist the urge to flip or poke the chicken before it’s ready—a solid 5 minutes undisturbed will do wonders.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Max Tenderness: Thighs stay moist and flavorful, even if you slightly overcook them—total weeknight hero move.
- Prep Garlic Fresh: Freshly minced garlic in the sauce delivers unbeatable aroma and flavor, so try not to swap for garlic powder here!
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Take a couple of minutes to let the honey, butter, garlic, and soy sauce gently bubble; this brings everything together and gives you that rich, silky coating.
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives goes a long way for color and freshness. For extra crunch, try a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. Or, if you want a little heat, add sliced green onions and a pinch of red pepper flakes—each adds a new layer of flavor and a feast for the eyes!
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Chicken is irresistibly saucy, so I love pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice, garlic butter mashed potatoes, or simple buttered noodles to soak up every last drop. For something lighter, opt for crisp steamed broccoli or a tangy cucumber salad—the sweetness of the chicken really pops next to something fresh and green.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Honey Butter Chicken “bowl-style” over rice or greens with pickled veggies for a modern, fun dinner. Or, tuck the chicken into soft buns with crunchy slaw for outrageous sticky chicken sandwiches! Mini skewers or party sliders also make this recipe the absolute star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays moist, and the sauce will soak in—making every bite even more flavorful by day two!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Once cooled, pop portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just freeze the chicken and sauce together, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and re-crisped, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Honey Butter Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well—just be sure not to overcook them, as they’re a bit leaner. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but you’ll still get delicious results and that signature saucy coating.
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How can I make Honey Butter Chicken less sweet?
If you prefer your chicken a little less sweet, simply reduce the honey to ¼ cup or add a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to bring in a bit of tang. The balance of savory and sweet is easy to tweak to suit your taste!
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What’s the best oil for pan-frying the chicken?
Any oil with a high smoke point—like canola, vegetable, or even light olive oil—will work for this recipe. You just want to make sure your oil is nice and hot so the chicken crisps up without absorbing too much oil.
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Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply scale up the ingredients and work in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan. Honey Butter Chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, so you’ll never regret making extra.
Final Thoughts
If you try one new dinner this week, let it be this Honey Butter Chicken. It’s speedy, it’s luscious, and it’s practically guaranteed to earn rave reviews. Whether you serve it for family dinner or as the star of your next Saturday get-together, this recipe is pure edible joy—give it a whirl and watch the smiles spread!
Print
Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and savory honey butter sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 800 g Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
- 2/3 cup Flour
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil or canola oil or vegetable oil
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/3 cup Honey
- 100 g Butter, unsalted
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoon Soy sauce, light soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl or plate, mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Coat chicken with the flour mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan, cook chicken until crispy and golden brown. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Cook until bubbly.
- Combine: Add chicken to the sauce, cook briefly to coat.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs, tenders, or breasts for this recipe.
- Let the chicken cook without flipping for at least 5 minutes to form a crust.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for moistness and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
