The Ultimate Honey Butter Chicken Recipe That Melts Hearts

Crispy, golden chicken finds its match in a luscious honey butter glaze that dances across your taste buds.

Melted butter mingles with golden nectar, creating a sauce that whispers comfort and indulgence.

Sweet and savory notes intertwine in this irresistible dish that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

You will adore how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of richness and subtle sweetness.

Tender chicken pieces emerge from the skillet, gleaming with a glossy, inviting coating that beckons you closer.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering creation that elevates a classic protein into a memorable meal.

Honey Butter Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: Protein-packed main ingredient for the recipe.

• Flour, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Onion Powder, Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Flavorful coating mixture for crispy chicken.

• Butter, Oil: Rich cooking base for golden brown chicken.
• Honey: Sweet liquid that creates glossy sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Savory umami flavor enhancer.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy ingredient that balances sweetness.
• White Rice: Classic side dish for serving.
• Green Beans: Fresh vegetable accompaniment.

Cooking Steps for Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Flour Coating

Mix flour and spices in a large bowl.

Toss chicken pieces until completely covered with the seasoned flour mixture.

• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Chicken pieces

Step 2: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat butter and oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Spread chicken pieces evenly in the pan.

Cook until both sides turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.

• Butter
• Cooking oil
• Fried chicken pieces

Step 3: Create Luscious Honey Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to low.

Add butter to the same skillet.

Once melted, pour in honey and remaining sauce ingredients.

Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a rich, caramel-like consistency.

• Butter
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet.

Gently coat each piece thoroughly with the glossy honey butter sauce.

Allow chicken to simmer for a few moments, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Transfer to a serving platter.

Accompany with steamed white rice and sauteed green beans for a complete meal.

Tips to Make Honey Butter Chicken Shine

• Ensure chicken pieces are thoroughly and uniformly coated with the seasoned flour mixture for consistent flavor and crispy texture.
• Use medium heat when frying chicken to achieve golden-brown color without burning, maintaining a perfect crisp exterior.
• Stir honey butter sauce constantly over low heat until it reaches a smooth, caramel-like thickness for maximum flavor absorption.
• Allow chicken to rest in the sauce for 5 minutes after coating, helping it soak up the delicious honey butter flavors completely.
• Pair the honey butter chicken with white rice and sauteed green beans to create a balanced and delightful meal that complements the rich, sweet, and savory chicken.

Saving and Reheating Honey Butter Chicken

• Transfer leftover honey butter chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat chicken in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle. Add a splash of water to keep meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.

Side Dish Ideas for Honey Butter Chicken

• Flavor Symphony Pairing: Crisp apple white wine cuts through the rich honey butter, balancing the chicken's sweet and savory notes perfectly.
• Texture Contrast Companion: Creamy goat cheese coleslaw provides a cool, tangy counterpoint to the warm, golden chicken, enhancing each bite's complexity.
• Herbal Refreshment Match: Fresh cilantro-lime rice adds a bright, zesty undertone that complements the dish's caramel-like honey butter sauce, lifting the overall flavor profile.
• Cultural Harmony Side: Korean cucumber salad (oi muchim) delivers a crunchy, acidic element that cleanses the palate between succulent chicken bites, creating a delightful dining experience.

Recipe Variations for Honey Butter Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for coating chicken, ensuring crispy texture while accommodating gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add dried thyme and red pepper flakes to flour mixture for enhanced herbal and heat profile, creating a more complex flavor experience.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and eliminate added salt, maintaining rich taste while reducing sodium content for health-conscious individuals.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil, using plant-based alternatives to create a similar rich coating and sauce consistency for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

• What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A cast iron skillet is ideal because it provides even heat distribution and helps create a perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken while also allowing easy sauce preparation in the same pan.

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and will provide a more tender and juicy result compared to other chicken cuts. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.

• How spicy is this dish with cayenne pepper?

The cayenne pepper adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to control the heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it completely for a milder flavor.

• Is this recipe considered a sweet or savory dish?

This honey butter chicken is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with the honey providing sweetness and the soy sauce and spices adding a rich, umami flavor that complements the crispy chicken.

Why Honey Butter Chicken Is Sweet and Savory Bliss

• Quick and Easy Cooking: Whip up this mouthwatering honey butter chicken with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps that even beginner cooks can master confidently.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes that create an irresistible taste experience with every single bite.
• Versatile Meal Option: Dress up this chicken for a fancy dinner or keep it casual for a weeknight family meal that pleases everyone from kids to adults with its universal appeal.
• One-Pan Dish: Save time on cleanup by preparing this entire dish in a single cast iron skillet, making it an incredibly convenient meal solution for busy home cooks.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet, golden Honey Butter Chicken promises a delightful blend of crispy, juicy flavors that dance across your palate. Southern comfort meets culinary creativity, inviting you to savor each tender, perfectly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, diced
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) canola oil, or any vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful coating by whisking together dry seasonings in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere completely.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium temperature, combining butter and oil to create a rich cooking base.
4. Arrange chicken pieces in a single, spacious layer within the skillet, allowing each piece adequate surface contact for even browning.
5. Fry chicken until a golden, crispy exterior develops, carefully turning to ensure uniform coloration on both sides.
6. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its crispness while preparing the sauce.
7. Reduce skillet heat to low, melting additional butter and introducing honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.
8. Whisk sauce ingredients continuously, allowing them to incorporate and thicken into a glossy, caramel-like consistency.
9. Return chicken to the skillet, gently tumbling pieces to ensure complete and uniform sauce coverage.
10. Allow chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
11. Plate the glazed chicken alongside fluffy white rice and freshly sauteed green beans for a complete, vibrant meal.

Notes

• Coating Perfection: Ensure chicken pieces are evenly and generously coated with the seasoned flour mixture for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
• Oil Temperature Control: Use medium heat when frying chicken to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning, maintaining juicy meat inside.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Stir honey butter sauce constantly over low heat to prevent burning and create a smooth, glossy caramel-like texture that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour for celiac-friendly version, or use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced salt intake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg