Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Honey Butter Chicken Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Crispy chicken glazed with sweet honey butter melts in your mouth like a dream.

Succulent pieces promise pure comfort on a plate.

Maple notes dance through each golden-brown bite, creating irresistible depth.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this simple yet magical combination of flavors.

Perfectly seasoned meat becomes something extraordinary with just a few ingredients.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together.

You’ll want seconds before the first plate is even empty – trust me on this delicious adventure.

What Makes Honey Butter Chicken So Irresistible

  • Conquer Quick Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
  • Create Family-Friendly Feast: Mild spices and irresistible honey glaze appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love this crowd-pleasing dish.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Uses a single skillet for cooking and sauce preparation, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delectable meal together.

Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken

Breading Ingredients:
  • Flour: A classic coating that helps create a crispy exterior for the chicken.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor to the chicken coating.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Provides a gentle heat and spicy kick to the breading.
  • Onion Powder: Enhances the overall seasoning of the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
Chicken and Cooking Fats:
  • Chicken: The main protein that serves as the star of the dish.
  • Butter, Cooking Oil: Help to brown the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Create a sweet, tangy, and savory sauce that coats the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Final seasoning adjustments for the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh topping that adds a light, crisp finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Honey Butter Chicken

How to Prepare Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Seasoned Coating

Create a zesty flour blend by mixing flour with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Thoroughly coat each piece of chicken in this flavor-packed mixture, ensuring every inch is perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm a skillet with a combination of butter and oil over medium heat.

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the pan, cooking until they transform into a gorgeous golden brown and are completely cooked through, typically taking 6-8 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Magical Honey Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter until it becomes smooth and fragrant.

Introduce honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Stir continuously until the sauce reaches a silky, slightly thickened consistency that promises incredible flavor.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Gently return the perfectly cooked chicken to the skillet, lovingly coating each piece with the luscious honey sauce.

Ensure every morsel is generously covered, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the chicken, adding a burst of color and a subtle oniony kick.

Transfer to a serving plate and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that combines sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

Pro Tips for Honey Butter Chicken

  • Reduce or omit cayenne pepper for a milder flavor profile that suits sensitive palates.
  • Pat chicken pieces dry before flouring to ensure a crunchier, more even golden-brown exterior.
  • Replace butter with olive oil for a healthier option or use gluten-free flour for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on personal preference, adding less for a more savory result or more for enhanced sweetness.
  • Toast spices briefly in the skillet before adding flour mixture to release deeper, more complex aromatics.

Variations on Honey Butter Chicken to Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for a celiac-friendly option that maintains crispy chicken coating.
  • Spicy Honey Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat lovers who want more kick.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap flour coating with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and use sugar-free honey alternative for keto dieters.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil, and use dairy-free margarine for the sauce to accommodate lactose-sensitive individuals.

Serving Ideas for Honey Butter Chicken

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this honey butter chicken with fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Crispy Companion Sides: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add a nutritious crunch that complements the chicken's rich flavors.
  • Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle extra sliced green onions and a small drizzle of additional honey on top for a bright, sweet garnish that enhances the dish's visual appeal and taste.
  • Texture Contrast Plate: Add a crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the chicken's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and savory sauce.

Best Ways to Store Honey Butter Chicken

  • Store leftover honey butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drizzle extra sauce to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Is honey butter chicken spicy?

The cayenne pepper adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit it for a milder version.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of other cuts?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly and will cook evenly when diced into uniform pieces.

  • What makes the sauce flavorful?

The combination of honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey butter chicken brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with its irresistible golden-brown coating and rich, glossy glaze. Crispy, juicy chicken pieces melt in your mouth, promising a delightful meal that satisfies deep cravings and leaves you wanting more.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts, diced
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil (or any vegetable oil)

Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced

Honey Butter Sauce Ingredients:

  • 5 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Blend a medley of aromatic seasonings with flour, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken pieces.
  2. Sear the seasoned chicken in a blend of melted butter and oil over medium heat until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  3. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and crispy texture.
  4. In the same skillet, transform butter into a luxurious sauce by introducing honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, whisking until the mixture develops a silky, slightly condensed consistency.
  5. Gently reintroduce the chicken into the glistening sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly enrobed with the sweet and savory glaze.
  6. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and add a fresh, sharp note by sprinkling finely sliced green onions across the top just before presenting to diners.

Notes

  • Customize the flour coating by adding different spices like paprika or dried herbs for extra flavor complexity.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to maintain crispy chicken texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 472 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 499 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 97 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star