Honey Butter Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Trustworthy Guide

Craving chicken that’s sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible? This honey butter chicken is the perfect mix of flavors that will have you coming back for more.

The honey butter sauce gives the chicken a rich, golden glaze, making each bite melt in your mouth. I make it when I want a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor.

It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s perfect for any night of the week. You only need a few ingredients for a big impact.

Let me show you how I make it. You’re going to love how simple and delicious this is. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader said, “This is the best chicken recipe ever!”
• Sweet and Savory: The honey butter sauce brings a perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness to the chicken.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish comes together with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tender, flavorful chicken.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken for extra flavor, and prepare the honey butter sauce ahead of time.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 4 servings. You can easily double it for a larger crowd.

Difficulty:
Easy! This is perfect for beginners but still enjoyable for experienced cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen essentials:

• Large skillet or pan (for cooking the chicken)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Basting brush (optional, for glazing the chicken with the honey butter sauce)
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping the chicken)

Ingredients for the Honey Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless chicken thighs or breasts (4 pieces)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
• Olive oil (for cooking, 2 tablespoons)

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

• Honey (1/4 cup)
• Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Soy sauce (light) (1 tablespoon)

Variations for Honey Butter Chicken

• Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use Brown Sugar: Swap honey with brown sugar for a richer, more caramelized flavor.
• Try Different Herbs: Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary to the chicken while cooking for extra depth of flavor.
• Grill It: For a smoky twist, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it. Just brush the chicken with the honey butter sauce before and during grilling.

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure to coat each piece evenly.

2. Make the Honey Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir well until the ingredients are fully blended. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan.

• Stovetop Directions:
  • Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • Baste the chicken with the honey butter sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.
  • Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 2 minutes, glazing with the sauce as it cooks.

4. Coat the Chicken with the Honey Butter Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving plate. Immediately, pour the honey butter sauce over the chicken. You can use a basting brush to coat it generously with the sauce, making sure each piece is glazed beautifully. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to settle.

5. Optional Garnish

For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to cut through the richness of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Honey Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• With Mashed Potatoes: The buttery sauce pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• In a Sandwich: Slice the chicken and serve it in a bun with some lettuce and tomato for a quick sandwich option.
• Over Rice: Serve the chicken over white or brown rice to soak up the delicious honey butter sauce.
• With Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.

Storing Honey Butter Chicken

• Leftovers: Store any leftover honey butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little extra honey butter sauce or a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Bone-in Chicken: For even juicier chicken, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken to avoid dryness. A meat thermometer will help ensure the chicken reaches the right internal temperature of 165°F.
• Customize the Sauce: If you like your sauce a little sweeter, add more honey. If you prefer it savory, reduce the honey a bit and add more soy sauce.
• Make Extra Sauce: The honey butter sauce is so delicious! Make extra to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	639 kcal
Carbohydrates	33 g
Protein	29 g
Fat	44 g
Saturated Fat	18 g
Cholesterol	200 mg
Sodium	1196 mg
Potassium	394 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	19 g
Vitamin A	645 IU
Iron	2 mg

Honey Butter Chicken FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just note that chicken breasts are leaner, so they may dry out faster. Make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid overcooking.

2. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can also finish the chicken in the oven for a crispy finish after searing it in the pan.

3. How do I store leftover Honey Butter Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little honey butter sauce to keep the chicken moist.

4. Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before pouring it over the chicken.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or oil, and make sure the soy sauce is gluten-free if needed.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings comfort to your table in less than an hour. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish will be a favorite in your household. With its sweet and savory glaze, it’s sure to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness that makes this recipe a true winner!