Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that’s simple to make at home. Tender chicken pieces are coated, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a smooth honey butter sauce for an irresistible flavor combination.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp canola oil (or any light oil)
• 1 tbsp green onions, sliced
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat the butter and oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Shake off excess flour from the chicken and place the pieces in a single layer in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and ground black pepper.
5. Step 5: Stir the sauce continuously until it thickens to a smooth, caramel-like consistency. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until fully coated with the sauce. Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with white rice and sautéed green beans for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to allow the flour to adhere better.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Add a pinch more cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different but equally delicious sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover honey butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the sauce’s texture and avoid drying the chicken out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken pieces to ensure even cooking and proper coating with the flour mixture.

What can I serve with honey butter chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with white rice, steamed or sautéed vegetables like green beans, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sauce.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously crispy and tender chicken dish coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce. This recipe features lightly fried chicken pieces mixed with a rich blend of honey, butter, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served alongside white rice and sautéed green beans.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken 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
• 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces

Cooking

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp canola oil (or any light oil)

Honey Butter Sauce

• 5 tbsp butter, room temperature
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper

Garnish

• 1 tbsp green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they are thoroughly coated with the flour mixture.
2. Fry the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Shake off excess flour from the chicken pieces and arrange them in a single layer in the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the honey butter sauce: Lower the heat to low and add the remaining 5 tbsp butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp ground black pepper.
4. Cook the sauce: Continue stirring the mixture over low heat until it thickens into a smooth, caramel-like consistency. Add the fried chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat each piece evenly with the sauce. Turn off the heat and let the chicken sit in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Serve: Transfer the honey butter chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve with white rice and sautéed green beans for a complete meal.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken pieces are coated evenly in flour and cooked in a hot skillet.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
• You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• The sauce thickens as it cools; if it becomes too thick, gently reheat with a splash of water or broth.
• Use room temperature butter in the sauce to help it melt smoothly and incorporate better.

Keywords: Honey Butter Chicken, Fried Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Cast Iron Skillet Chicken