Name: Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp canola oil (or any light oil); 5 tbsp butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup honey; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp green onions, sliced; White rice, for serving; Sautéed green beans, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 87 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, you have to try this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. It takes simple chicken pieces and transforms them into something utterly irresistible by coating them in a crispy seasoned crust and then bathing them in a luscious honey butter sauce. The way the honey’s natural sweetness complements the buttery richness, along with a splash of tangy soy and apple cider vinegar, creates a harmony of flavors that feels like a comforting hug for your taste buds. Whether you need a quick dinner or want to impress family and friends, this recipe delivers big on satisfaction and delightful textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows raw chicken pieces in a clear glass bowl in the center on a white marbled surface. Around it, there is a small white bowl with chopped green onions, fresh whole green onions, and two white onions near the bottom left. A wooden tray holds three small blocks of butter on the left. Above the chicken, there is a clear glass bowl filled with yellow cooking oil, and to the top left, an open white paper bag with flour inside. Several glass spice jars filled with various powders, including salt, pepper, and two kinds of seasoning powders, are scattered to the right and bottom of the chicken bowl. A white cloth is placed on the bottom right corner. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one enhances the dish in its own special way, making your cooking experience both simple and rewarding.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps create the crispy coating that gives the chicken its delightful crunch.
½ tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle kick that complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall savoriness and rounds out the seasoning mix.
1 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
¼ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a mild spice and complexity to the flavor profile.
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: The tender chicken is the star of the show, perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.
1 tbsp unsalted butter: Used in frying to add richness and help create that golden crust.
1 tbsp canola oil (or any light oil): Prevents sticking and helps achieve the perfect sear on the chicken.
1 tbsp green onions, sliced: For a fresh, crisp garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
5 tbsp butter, room temperature: Invoked again in the honey butter sauce for indulgent creaminess.
½ cup honey: The key ingredient for sweetness that caramelizes and glazes the chicken beautifully.
1 tbsp soy sauce: Brings umami and a hint of saltiness to balance the honey’s sugar.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce and cut through the richness.
¼ tsp salt: To perfect the honey butter sauce seasoning.
⅛ tsp ground black pepper: Finishes the sauce with a subtle peppery warmth.

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by mixing all your dry spices—flour, garlic powder, cayenne, onion powder, salt, and black pepper—in a large bowl. This blend is the secret to that flavorful crust everyone will love. Toss your chicken pieces into this mix, making sure each piece is coated evenly. This sets the stage for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Next up, melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter with canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. The butter adds richness, while the oil prevents burning. Place the chicken pieces in the pan in a single layer, shaking off any extra flour before adding them. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp. This quick sear locks in the juices and creates a deliciously crunchy outside. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to low and add the remaining 5 tablespoons of room temperature butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will start to bubble gently and thicken into a smooth, caramel-like sauce. Stir continuously to encourage the perfect silky texture.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Once the sauce reaches that inviting caramel thickness, toss your fried chicken back into the skillet. Make sure every piece is generously coated in that glorious honey butter glaze. Turn off the heat and let the chicken nestle in the sauce for about five minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to soak up all that saucy goodness.

How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows many pieces of fried chicken wings, each fully covered in a thick, shiny reddish-brown sauce. The sauce looks sticky and glossy, with patches where it pools slightly around the edges of the crispy textured chicken. The chicken pieces are close together, filling the entire frame, showing a mix of curved and more irregular shapes with a crunchy surface visible beneath the sauce. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Slicing fresh green onions and sprinkling them on top of your plated chicken adds a lovely visual contrast and a refreshing bite that brightens the rich dish. It’s such a simple step but truly elevates the presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Honey Butter Chicken shines when paired with fluffy white rice that soaks up the extra sauce perfectly. Adding sautéed green beans or lightly steamed veggies introduces crunch and balance, keeping the meal colorful and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get inventive, serve this Honey Butter Chicken over garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. Or try wrapping the chicken and a drizzle of sauce inside warm tortillas for a quick and tasty honey butter chicken taco. Either way, your friends and family will be asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling your Honey Butter Chicken to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you a quick, flavorful meal anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to separate the pieces so they don’t clump together. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat to preserve that beautiful honey butter glaze without drying out the tender chicken. Microwave works too but watch that it doesn’t overcook. Adding a splash of water or extra honey butter sauce while reheating keeps it moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly if needed for even cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?

There’s a mild warmth from the cayenne pepper, but it’s subtle and balanced by the sweetness of the honey. You can adjust the cayenne to your preferred spice level or skip it if you want it completely mild.

Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?

While you can prepare the sauce in advance, it’s best served fresh for the smoothest texture. If made early, gently reheat and stir before tossing with the chicken.

What’s a good substitute for apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or even lemon juice works in a pinch, providing that essential tanginess to balance the sweetness.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken pieces at 400°F until golden and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Then toss in the honey butter sauce as usual. Frying gives you a crispier crust, but baking works well too.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe has quickly become a cherished favorite in my kitchen, and I promise it will feel the same in yours. It strikes the perfect harmony between sweetness and savoriness with a lovely crispy texture that’s just pure comfort on a plate. Give it a try and watch how it turns everyday chicken into something truly special that everyone will adore.