If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and buttery goodness, the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need to try tonight. This recipe takes simple chicken thighs and transforms them into golden, crispy bites coated in a luscious honey butter sauce that is irresistibly delicious. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy to the table, with each mouthful delivering a burst of flavor that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t find any complicated or hard-to-find ingredients here—just everyday staples that come together beautifully to create a dish packed with flavor and texture. Each ingredient has a purpose, from the flour that crisps up the chicken to the honey that adds that signature sweet touch.
- 1.3lb / 600g boneless skinless Chicken Thigh, diced: Thighs stay juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the honey butter glaze.
- 1/3 cup / 50g Flour: Creates a light, crispy coating when combined with the seasonings.
- 1 tsp Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth to the coating.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Brings a mild garlicky aroma to complement the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Provides just the right hint of spice without overpowering.
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Used for frying and adding richness.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps the chicken crisp up beautifully without burning the butter.
- 1/3 cup / 110g Honey: The star of the sauce that delivers natural sweetness.
- 5 tbsp / 75g Unsalted Butter: Melts into the sauce for that signature silky, rich texture.
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness with a bright, tangy kick.
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and a subtle salty note to the sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste: For final seasoning adjustments.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by mixing the flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. This seasoned flour mix will give your chicken that irresistible outer crust. Toss the diced chicken thighs in this mixture until each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy texture.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat the unsalted butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the coated chicken pieces. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. The combination of butter and olive oil ensures a flavorful crust without burning the butter, locking in the juiciness inside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
After removing the chicken, melt the remaining butter in the pan. Stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce, then season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens into a glossy, luscious glaze. This sauce brings that mouthwatering balance of sweetness, tang, and savory richness.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the crispy chicken to the pan and toss it thoroughly in the honey butter sauce. Make sure every piece is coated in the sticky, flavorful glaze that will have you reaching for seconds. And just like that, your Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. These garnishes add a burst of color and a fresh, mild flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. A light dusting of sesame seeds also adds an appealing crunch and a subtle nutty note.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the chicken shine. Steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes soak up the honey butter sauce perfectly. For a fresh balance, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables seasoned simply with salt and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe over a bed of fluffy waffles or thick-cut toast. The sweet-savory combination elevates brunch menus or casual dinners with a little extra flair. Alternatively, use it as a filling in sliders for an irresistible party appetizer that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best eaten within 3 days to enjoy the flavors at their freshest and to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Make sure to keep the sauce and chicken together to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Honey Butter Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To maintain the texture, freeze the chicken and sauce together, ensuring it’s well-covered to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispiness and keep the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of water or a little extra honey butter sauce while reheating will help refresh the flavors and moisture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly and consider marinating them to retain moisture.
Is this recipe very sweet? Can I adjust the honey amount?
The honey provides a lovely, natural sweetness balanced by vinegar and soy sauce. Feel free to adjust the honey quantity to suit your taste—less honey for a milder sweetness or a little more for a stronger honey flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken. Just ensure all other ingredients like soy sauce are gluten-free versions.
What is the best way to get the chicken crispy?
Coating the chicken evenly in the seasoned flour and frying it in a combination of butter and oil over medium heat helps achieve that golden crispy crust without burning.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the honey butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly fried chicken when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is a total game changer when you want something both simple and spectacular. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal, with its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see why it quickly becomes a household favorite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
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 crispy fried chicken thigh pieces coated in a luscious, sweet, and tangy honey butter sauce. Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a sticky, flavorful glaze, this dish is a deliciously satisfying meal suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Coating
- 1.3lb / 600g boneless skinless chicken thigh, diced into large bite-sized chunks
- 1/3 cup / 50g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/3 cup / 110g honey
- 5 tbsp / 75g / 2.6oz unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss the diced chicken pieces in this mixture until they are evenly coated, ensuring each piece is covered for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides and cooked through, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Combine and Serve: Add the fried chicken pieces back into the pan with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the honey butter glaze. Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to your preferred sweetness level.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken with flour and let it rest before frying.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness.
- Be careful not to burn the honey in the sauce; simmer gently on low heat.
