Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Butter Chicken strikes the perfect balance between crispy and tender. The chicken is coated in a flavorful flour mixture and pan-fried until golden brown, then drenched in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken’s crispy crust. It’s sweet, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent, without being overly greasy. Plus, with only 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a quick and easy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients
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800 g Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
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⅔ cup Flour
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1 teaspoon Kosher salt
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½ teaspoon Black pepper
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1 teaspoon Garlic powder
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3 tablespoons Olive oil or canola oil or vegetable oil
For the honey butter sauce
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⅓ cup Honey
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100 g Unsalted butter
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2 cloves Garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons Soy sauce (light soy sauce)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large bowl or flat plate, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
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Add the chicken chunks to the flour mixture and coat them thoroughly on all sides.
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Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add oil. Once hot, cook the chicken on each side for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure not to disturb the chicken too much while cooking to allow a crispy crust to form.
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Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
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In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and well-combined.
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Add the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the honey butter sauce. Let it cook for another minute or so to allow the sauce to cling to the crispy chicken.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 5
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Chicken Cuts: You can use your favorite chicken cut for this recipe. Chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders all work well, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and tenderer, making them the best choice.
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Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey based on how sweet you like your sauce. You can reduce it for a milder flavor or add a little extra for more sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili sauce to the honey butter sauce for a sweet and spicy version.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve this with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in a pan over low heat to bring back the crispiness, or microwave, though the chicken may lose some of its crispiness in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts will work too, but thighs tend to be juicier and more tender. If using breasts, make sure they’re not overcooked to prevent dryness.
2. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
You can use bone-in chicken, but cooking time will be longer. Be sure to cook it thoroughly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the honey butter sauce can be made ahead of time. Just reheat it before tossing the chicken in it.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the flour coating. You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then toss it in the sauce.
6. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken after it’s been coated in the sauce. Allow it to cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or stovetop.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce to the honey butter sauce.
8. What can I serve with Honey Butter Chicken?
Honey Butter Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
9. Can I make this recipe with a different type of sauce?
If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can experiment with teriyaki sauce, barbecue sauce, or even a lemon butter sauce.
10. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Chicken is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy goodness. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something special. The light pan-frying method ensures the chicken stays juicy while the honey butter sauce adds a delicious richness. Whether you serve it with rice, potatoes, or a salad, this dish is sure to impress!
PrintHoney Butter Chicke
Honey Butter Chicken is a crispy, savory, and sweet dish with golden brown chicken pieces coated in a rich honey butter sauce. Quick to make in just 30 minutes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or main dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
800 g Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
⅔ cup Flour
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon Black pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
3 tablespoons Olive oil or canola oil or vegetable oil
For the honey butter sauce
⅓ cup Honey
100 g Unsalted butter
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Soy sauce (light soy sauce)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or flat plate, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken chunks to the flour mixture and coat them thoroughly on all sides.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add oil. Once hot, cook the chicken on each side for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Ensure not to disturb the chicken too much while cooking to allow a crispy crust to form.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and well-combined.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat with the honey butter sauce. Let it cook for another minute or so to allow the sauce to cling to the crispy chicken.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Cuts: You can use your favorite chicken cut for this recipe. Chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders all work well, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and tenderer, making them the best choice.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey based on how sweet you like your sauce. You can reduce it for a milder flavor or add a little extra for more sweetness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili sauce to the honey butter sauce for a sweet and spicy version.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg