If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a seasoned flour mix, pan-fried to golden perfection, then lovingly tossed in a luscious sauce made from honey, butter, and just the right amount of tang from apple cider vinegar. This dish creates such a comforting, rich flavor profile that it becomes an instant favorite at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe promises a satisfying and incredibly delicious experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the right amount of salt to enhance everything, to the buttery sweetness that makes this dish shine, every item is chosen for its perfect contribution.
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces): Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust that keeps the chicken juicy inside and crispy outside.
- ½ cup honey: Adds the delightful natural sweetness that balances the savory and tangy flavors.
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce and helps with browning the chicken.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Brings in a subtle umami depth that enhances the overall taste.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to cut through the richness perfectly.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a mellow, warm garlic flavor that complements the sauce without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper: Offers just a touch of heat for a little kick.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds a savory undertone that pairs wonderfully with garlic and butter.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper: Provides a subtle spicy aroma and depth.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the seasoned flour coating
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This seasoning blend will create a flavorful crust that complements the honey butter sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the chicken pieces
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated to achieve that irresistible golden and slightly crispy exterior once cooked.
Step 3: Heat the butter and oil
In a skillet over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter with a bit of canola oil to prevent burning. Heat it until the mixture is bubbling, signaling it’s ready to cook the chicken to crispy perfection.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through. This step ensures the chicken stays moist inside with a lovely texture outside.
Step 5: Prepare the honey butter sauce
While the chicken cooks, blend room temperature butter with honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and luscious. This sauce is the star that brings the entire dish together with its harmonious balance of flavors.
Step 6: Toss chicken in the honey butter sauce
Pour your prepared sauce over the cooked chicken right in the skillet and toss gently, allowing every piece to be fully coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens just enough to cling to the chicken, creating that signature glossy finish.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that elevates the entire presentation and taste.
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions as a garnish not only brightens the dish visually but also adds a slight crunch and fresh flavor to contrast the rich sauce. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and texture boost.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice, which soaks up the extra sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to add freshness and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all the glorious honey butter sauce. For a fun twist, stuff it into warm pita bread with some fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce to make an irresistible chicken sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe on hand longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce loose and the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the crispy texture and rich flavor of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which makes them very juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe has a mild kick thanks to the cayenne pepper, but it’s mostly sweet and savory. You can always adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne depending on your preference.
Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before tossing it with the chicken for the best consistency.
What oil is best for cooking the chicken?
Canola oil works well due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable or peanut oil if preferred.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. This adjustment will keep your Honey Butter Chicken Recipe crispy and delicious without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again because it checks all the boxes—simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy creating this delightful meal; once you taste it, the irresistibly sweet and buttery chicken will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe offers tender, golden-brown chicken pieces coated in a flavorful honey butter sauce with a hint of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in a skillet, this dish delivers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Cooking Fats
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp canola oil
Honey Butter Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Garnish
- Sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper thoroughly to create a seasoned coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the 1 lb chicken breast pieces to the flour mixture and toss until each piece is fully coated with the seasoned flour blend.
- Heat Fat in Skillet: Place 5 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Heat until the butter melts and becomes bubbly, indicating the pan is ready for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the coated chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare Honey Butter Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together 5 tbsp room temperature unsalted butter, ½ cup honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Pour the honey butter sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken gently for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions and serve the honey butter chicken warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easy mixing when preparing the honey butter sauce.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ease cooking.
- Serve with steamed rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
