This Easy Honey Butter Chicken is a sweet and crispy dish that’s sure to please everyone! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a tasty honey butter sauce that makes them shine.
It’s so simple to whip up! I love making this for family dinners or when I’m craving something sweet and savory. Perfect with rice or veggies—who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy, but you can easily use chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking!
Honey: Honey is the star here! If you need a substitute, maple syrup works well for a different flavor profile, or you could use agave syrup for a lighter taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the chicken a nice coating. For gluten-free options, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch instead. This will create a crispy texture too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for this recipe, but feel free to use salted if that’s what you have. Just be careful with additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Tender?
To keep your chicken tender, the key is the cooking time and heat. Here’s what to do:
- Start with medium-high heat to sear the chicken. This gives it a nice golden crust.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows even cooking.
- Check the chicken is cooked through by cutting one piece to see if it’s no longer pink inside.
After removing the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in!
Easy Honey Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter, for frying
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions and sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 30-35 minutes. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, take the flour and lightly coat each piece of chicken, shaking off any extra flour to ensure they aren’t too thickly coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium-high heat. When hot, add in the chicken pieces, cooking them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, which should take about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, then toss in the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Next, stir in the honey and soy sauce, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey butter sauce, making sure each piece is well coated. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the Easy Honey Butter Chicken immediately. If you like, sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation. This dish is great served with steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes!
Enjoy this sweet and savory delight with your loved ones! 😊
FAQ for Easy Honey Butter Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it needs to be completely thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker method. Pat dry before seasoning and breading!
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter sauce. You can also marinate the chicken in some spicy seasoning before cooking it to infuse more flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or extra honey to revive the sauce.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and the honey butter sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and toss it with the sauce for a fresh, quick meal!
