Sweet, sticky, and bursting with flavor, this Honey Butter Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that will be on the table in under 30 minutes! Perfect for family meals or casual gatherings, this dish combines the rich taste of honey with savory chicken. Its simple preparation makes it a go-to recipe for busy nights, while its delightful sweetness will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey, butter, and spices creates a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Versatile: Serve it alongside rice, vegetables, or in wraps; it adapts well to your favorite sides.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of honey appeals to kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table is happy.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a hassle-free meal later.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish on your chicken.
- Mixing Bowl: Using a mixing bowl allows you to combine all your spices easily before applying them to the chicken.
- Spatula: A spatula helps you flip the chicken without breaking it apart and makes serving easier.
Ingredients
For the Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts, (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp canola oil, (or any light oil)
For the Honey Butter Sauce
- 5 tbsps butter, (room temperature)
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl with your flour mixture. Toss until each piece is well coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, add unsalted butter and canola oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare your honey butter sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together room temperature butter, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the chicken is cooked through, pour your honey butter sauce over it in the skillet. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cook for an additional minute until warmed through.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Chicken warm!
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Honey Butter Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and garnishes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice – A classic pairing that soaks up the sweet sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice – Adds a savory twist with vegetables and egg mixed in for extra flavor.
With Vegetables
- Sautéed Broccoli – Crisp-tender broccoli adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots complement the honey glaze perfectly.
In a Wrap
- Honey Butter Chicken Wraps – Roll the chicken in a tortilla with fresh veggies for a delicious handheld option.
Topped with Green Onions
- Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle on top for added freshness and crunch.
How to Perfect Honey Butter Chicken
To elevate your Honey Butter Chicken, consider these simple tips. They will help you achieve the best texture and flavor every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and high-quality honey make a big difference in taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Modify cayenne pepper according to your heat preference for a customized kick.
- Let the Sauce Thicken – Allow the honey-butter mixture to simmer longer for a thicker glaze.
- Marinate the Chicken – For deeper flavor, marinate chicken pieces in soy sauce and vinegar before cooking.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Honey Butter Chicken can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side.
- Crispy French Fries – Golden fries offer crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and cuts through the sweetness of the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements the honey buttersweetness, perfect for summer meals.
- Quinoa Salad – A healthy alternative that adds protein and fiber, mixed with fresh herbs.
- Baked Beans – Savory baked beans provide a hearty pairing that balances out the dish’s sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding mistakes is key to making the best Honey Butter Chicken. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for:
- Not coating the chicken properly: Failing to coat the chicken evenly with flour can lead to uneven texture. Make sure each piece is well-coated for that perfect crunch.
- Using too high heat: Cooking at too high of a temperature can burn the honey and butter mixture. Stick to medium heat for even cooking and caramelization.
- Skipping the marinating step: Not letting the chicken sit in the marinade can reduce flavor. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes for better taste.
- Overcrowding the pan: Placing too many pieces of chicken in the pan at once can cause steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if necessary for a crispy finish.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Everyone’s taste varies, so don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Not allowing the sauce to thicken: Rushing through the cooking process can leave you with a runny sauce. Let it simmer until thickened for that delicious glaze.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Honey Butter Chicken will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Honey Butter Chicken
- Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Honey Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Honey Butter Chicken:
What is Honey Butter Chicken?
Honey Butter Chicken is a sweet and savory dish made by frying chicken pieces coated in a honey-butter sauce, resulting in a delightful flavor.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option while keeping the same honey butter sauce.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
To make Honey Butter Chicken healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the amount of butter and honey used.
What can I serve with Honey Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes, making it versatile for any meal.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious! Its sweet and savory flavors make it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or serving it with different sides! Enjoy this delightful dish that will surely impress everyone around your dinner table!
Honey Butter Chicken
Sweet and savory, Honey Butter Chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner that brings family and friends together in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy flour mixture, then tossed in a luscious honey-butter sauce that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. The delightful combination of flavors makes it a versatile dish; serve it over rice, in wraps, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp canola oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss chicken pieces in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the coated chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In another bowl, mix room temperature butter with honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the honey butter sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute to warm through.
- Serve immediately with garnished green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
