If you are craving something that balances sweet, savory, and buttery flavors all in one satisfying dish, the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly crisp coating, all smothered in a luscious honey butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s comfort food elevated by a simple sauce you can whip up in minutes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual get-togethers. The harmony of honey’s natural sweetness and buttery richness makes every bite memorable, and once you try this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing this delightful Honey Butter Chicken Recipe to life. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color—from the crispy coating to the glossy finish of the sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1.3lb / 600g): Tender and juicy, chicken thighs stay moist during cooking and absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Flour (1/3 cup / 50g): Essential for creating the crispy coating on the chicken pieces.
- Salt (1 tsp + to taste): Enhances all the flavors and is used throughout the recipe.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle savory depth to the coating mix.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Gives a lovely aromatic boost without overpowering the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp + to taste): Adds a mild heat and complexity to both the coating and sauce.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp total): Used both for frying and creating the luscious honey butter sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps fry the chicken to golden perfection without burning the butter.
- Honey (1/3 cup / 110g): The star of the sauce, bringing natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with butter.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey and enrich the sauce’s flavor.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Introduces a hint of umami and saltiness that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken for frying. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Each spice adds a layer of flavor that will make the coating irresistible. Toss the diced chicken thighs in this mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for that crispy, flavorful crust you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Next, heat the butter and olive oil together in a large pan over medium heat. The olive oil raises the burning point of butter, letting you get a nice golden crisp without the butter burning. Fry the coated chicken chunks in batches, giving them space so they brown up evenly on all sides. You want them beautifully golden and crispy but still juicy inside, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes per batch. Set the cooked chicken aside once done.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, melt the remaining butter and add the honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently. This allows it to thicken slightly and develop a rich, shiny texture that will beautifully glaze the chicken pieces. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed to balance the sweetness and tang.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Finally, toss the crispy chicken directly into the pan with the honey butter sauce. Make sure every piece gets a glossy coating of the delicious sauce. Serve immediately while it’s warm and succulent, ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish can elevate your presentation and add a contrasting brightness to the dish. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color. A few toasted sesame seeds offer a crunchy texture and an appealing nutty aroma, complementing the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas provide a crisp, fresh contrast that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of crunchy cabbage slaw dressed with a light vinaigrette. You can also make slider sandwiches with toasted buns and a little slaw for a finger-food version that’s perfect for gatherings. Even a simple plate with the chicken arranged neatly alongside your favorite sides can be dressed up with colorful garnishes and extra sauce drizzled artistically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and sauce can be kept together, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for longer storage. Freeze the chicken pieces on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer bag to keep them from sticking together. The sauce freezes well in a sealed container or freezer bag. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a pan over low heat, then add the chicken pieces until heated through. This prevents the chicken from drying out and keeps the sauce velvety. Avoid microwaving as much as possible to maintain the crispness and texture of the chicken coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine, though they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. Make sure to avoid overcooking and maybe reduce the cooking time slightly to keep the chicken moist and tender in this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the coating. This adjustment will still give you a crispy crust without affecting the delicious honey butter glaze.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
While honey is key for that signature flavor and texture, you can use alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, and the sauce may have a different consistency, but it will still be wonderfully sweet and buttery.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is not spicy by default, making it family-friendly. If you like a touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour coating or sauce for a gentle kick.
What’s the best way to get a crispy coating on the chicken?
Ensuring the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoned flour mix and frying them in a mix of butter and oil over medium heat helps achieve that perfect golden crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken browns rather than steams.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to feel a little happier when you’ve got a dish this satisfying sitting on your plate. The Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together sweet, savory, and buttery goodness in the most delightful way. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I promise this recipe will warm your heart and taste buds. Give it a go – your new favorite comfort food awaits!
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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 Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thigh pieces coated in a flavorful seasoned flour, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect balance of crispy texture and rich taste, ideal for a quick yet indulgent weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1.3 lb / 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
Cooking and Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup / 110g honey
- 5 tbsp / 75g / 2.6 oz unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss the diced chicken thigh pieces in this mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasoned flour.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken chunks and fry until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, making sure they are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the fried chicken to the pan and toss it thoroughly in the honey butter sauce until all pieces are well coated. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy chicken and sweet-savory sauce.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs ensures juicy and flavorful meat that stays tender after frying.
- Adjust the amount of honey to control the sweetness of the sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve with steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure the sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken well without being too runny.
