Honey Butter Chicken
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 tender chicken pieces with a luscious honey butter glaze that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it over rice or alongside roasted vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from prep to plate, it’s ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and spices creates a unique flavor profile that delights every palate.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or use it in wraps, salads, or bowls for meal prep.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory taste of this dish.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients already at home, making it convenient to whip up.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Honey Butter Chicken, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to brown beautifully.
- Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients evenly without mess.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements lead to perfect results every time.
- Tongs: Ideal for flipping chicken pieces safely while cooking.
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 Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the flour mixture. Toss them until they are evenly coated. This coating will give your chicken a delightful crunch when cooked.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add unsalted butter and canola oil. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook for about 5–7 minutes or until golden brown on all sides.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce by mixing room temperature butter with honey in another bowl. Add soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce heat to low. Pour the honey butter sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly in that delicious glaze. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Serve your Honey Butter Chicken hot with sliced green onions on top for garnish! Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Serving Honey Butter Chicken can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that complement its sweet and savory flavors.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice – The light aroma of jasmine rice balances the sweetness of the chicken.
- Fried Rice – Add vegetables to fried rice for a hearty side that enhances the meal’s flavor.
With Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli – The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli contrasts nicely with the honey sweetness.
- Sautéed Green Beans – Crisp green beans add freshness and crunch to your plate.
With Salads
- Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool counterpoint to the warm chicken.
- Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw adds texture and tanginess, making it a perfect match.
With Breads
- Garlic Bread – Garlic bread is a delicious option to soak up any remaining honey sauce.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the sticky glaze.
How to Perfect Honey Butter Chicken
To make the best Honey Butter Chicken, follow these helpful tips for an even tastier result.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh chicken and quality honey will enhance the dish’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Feel free to increase or decrease cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
- Let Chicken Rest – Allowing cooked chicken to rest helps retain its juices, making it tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with Sauces – Adding different sauces like teriyaki can give your dish a unique twist.
- Garnish Generously – Fresh green onions not only add color but also a burst of fresh flavor.
- Serve Immediately – Enjoy the chicken while it’s hot for the best taste experience.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Chicken
Pairing side dishes with Honey Butter Chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful dish perfectly.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and pair beautifully with the chicken’s sweetness.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and complements the honey flavor well.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine and crunchy croutons, balancing the meal nicely.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad packed with veggies is nutritious and adds a healthy touch.
- Macaroni and Cheese – The creamy cheese contrasts with the honey butter, making a rich side option.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs excellently with this dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Honey Butter Chicken, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for juicy results.
- Ignoring spice balance: Too much cayenne can overpower the dish. Start with less and adjust according to your taste preference.
- Not letting butter soften: Room temperature butter blends better with honey. Always allow it to soften before mixing for a creamy texture.
- Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor. A quick soak in the honey sauce before cooking makes a big difference.
- Using low-quality honey: The honey flavor is crucial in this dish. Choose a high-quality, pure honey for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Honey Butter Chicken
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Honey Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring as needed.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Honey Butter Chicken?
Honey Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory honey-butter sauce.
How can I customize my Honey Butter Chicken?
You can add spices like paprika or switch up the honey with maple syrup for different flavors.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What should I serve with Honey Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also deliciously satisfying. Its sweet and savory flavor makes it versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or side dishes for added variety!
Honey Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that will transform your weeknight dinners into a delightful feast. With tender chicken pieces coated in a rich honey butter glaze, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or casual gatherings. Whether served over fluffy rice or alongside crisp roasted vegetables, this Honey Butter Chicken is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the explosion of flavors that both kids and adults will love, while keeping the ingredient list minimal and the cooking process simple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 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 (or any light 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 evenly coated.
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix room temperature butter with honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create the sauce.
- Pour sauce over cooked chicken in the skillet; toss gently to coat. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
