Honey Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory honey butter sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish pairs beautifully with rice and veggies for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Sweet and Savory: The honey butter sauce is a delicious blend of flavors that complements the golden-fried chicken.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, this dish is perfect for any dinner table.
- Versatile: Pair it with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or any light oil)
- 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the flour mixture and toss until evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the butter and oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Shake off the excess flour from the chicken pieces and place them in a single layer in the skillet.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and melt the remaining butter.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the honey butter sauce.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish
- Serve the chicken over white rice with sautéed green beans or your favorite veggies.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Honey Butter: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Crispier Chicken: Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crispier coating.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lemon or orange juice to the sauce for a tangy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed.
2. What sides go well with Honey Butter Chicken?
White rice, brown rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad pair beautifully.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
4. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan.
5. Can I use other proteins?
Yes, shrimp, pork, or tofu are excellent substitutes for chicken.
6. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch and tamari instead of soy sauce.
8. Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
No, it’s optional. Skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients. Cook the chicken in batches to maintain crispiness.
10. Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake the coated chicken at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Chicken is a sweet, savory, and utterly delicious dish that’s quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. The buttery honey sauce pairs perfectly with tender, golden chicken, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Honey Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this quick and easy Honey Butter Chicken, featuring tender chicken bites coated in a rich, sweet, and savory honey butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs beautifully with white rice and sautéed green beans!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or any light oil)
- 1 tbsp green onions, sliced
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 5 tbsp butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Chicken
- Coat the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Melt butter with oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken in a single layer, shaking off excess flour before placing in the skillet.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Honey Butter Sauce
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the remaining butter.
- Once melted, stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat all pieces evenly in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dredge the chicken by dipping it back into the flour mixture after an initial coat.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less spice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 503 kcal
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