If you’re searching for a dinner that strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and utterly irresistible, this Honey Butter Chicken will become your new weeknight hero. Juicy pieces of chicken are lightly coated, perfectly golden, and then bathed in a glossy, garlicky honey butter sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re craving cozy comfort food or trying to impress guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey Butter Chicken lies in its simplicity. Just a handful of everyday ingredients transform chicken into something truly special, with each one adding its own layer of flavor, crunch, or creamy richness.

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for tenderness and easy eating; thighs make it especially juicy!
Salt: Brings out all the flavors and makes the chicken pop.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and helps balance the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light, crisp coating on the chicken.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the crust while keeping it light.
Olive Oil: For pan-frying and golden, crispy results without overwhelming the flavor.
Unsalted Butter: The star for that rich, velvety sauce—using unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
Honey: Brings natural sweetness and glossy shine to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds irresistible aroma and depth.
Soy Sauce: Just a touch for umami and balance against the honey.
Chopped Parsley or Green Onions: (Optional) For a pop of color and fresh finish at the end.

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken pieces with salt and pepper in a medium bowl. This helps every bite sing with flavor from the inside out. In a second bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch—this makes a perfectly crispy coating. Dredge each piece of chicken in this mixture so it’s lightly but fully covered, ready for that pan-seared crunch.

Step 2: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Gently lay the coated chicken pieces in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan—work in batches if necessary). Let them fry for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown and the meat is cooked through. The result? Tender, juicy chicken with a mouthwatering, crispy outside. Once finished, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create That Dreamy Honey Butter Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium and toss in the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing right about now! Now whisk in the honey and soy sauce, letting the mixture simmer and bubble for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly into that iconic, sticky honey butter sauce.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Slide the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with that glossy honey butter sauce. Using a spatula, gently toss to coat every piece so the sauce really clings. Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes. You’ll see the chicken take on a luscious shine and become even more irresistible. If you like, shower on some chopped parsley or green onions before serving.

How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Finish off your Honey Butter Chicken with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley or green onion. Either will add a vibrant pop of green and a hint of freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich, sticky glaze. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is also a fun way to introduce a subtle nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

The sweet and savory sauce makes this chicken perfect for serving over steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up every last drop. Creamy mashed potatoes are also a sensational base, helping to round out the meal. For a lighter option, you can pile the chicken atop a mound of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to really wow the crowd, try making Honey Butter Chicken sliders with mini buns and crunchy lettuce. It also works beautifully as a filling in lettuce wraps for a lighter lunch. Or, toss extra sauce with noodles for a fusion-inspired twist—truly, there are endless ways to showcase this delicious dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Butter Chicken keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce actually soaks into the chicken a bit more, making leftovers just as crave-worthy as day one. Make sure to chill the chicken promptly for best food safety and flavor.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your leftovers, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll store well for up to 2 months—just be sure to label and date for easy meal planning. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add the Honey Butter Chicken to a skillet or microwave-safe dish. A splash of water or chicken broth will help revive the sauce to its silky texture. Gently warm over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second increments until hot and glossy, being careful not to overcook the chicken.

FAQs

Can I make Honey Butter Chicken with chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Thighs are a bit juicier, but using breast meat will still yield delectably tender results—just be careful not to overcook.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari). The chicken will still get that nice, crispy coating and the sauce remains just as luscious.

What if I want my Honey Butter Chicken a little less sweet?

No problem! Feel free to dial back the honey by a tablespoon or so, or add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of extra soy sauce for extra balance. This dish is wonderfully customizable to your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Certainly! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then store them separately or together in the fridge. For freshest flavor, reheat just before serving and garnish right before bringing to the table.

What can I use instead of parsley or green onion for garnish?

Try thinly sliced chives, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a scattering of microgreens. These options add flavor, texture, and color, making your Honey Butter Chicken look as incredible as it tastes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with dinnertime again, this Honey Butter Chicken is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Give it a try—once you taste that sweet, buttery glaze clinging to crispy, tender chicken, you’ll want to make it again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the most-requested dish in your kitchen!

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make honey butter chicken recipe that combines savory and sweet flavors in a perfect balance. Tender chicken pieces coated in a honey butter sauce, served with a garnish of fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Coating:

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Coating: Mix flour and cornstarch, then coat chicken evenly.
Cook Chicken: Sear coated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add honey and soy sauce, simmer until thickened.
Combine: Toss chicken in sauce until coated.
Finish: Garnish and serve hot.