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 gatherings or a cozy night in, this dish boasts a unique blend of sweetness and savory notes that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a regular evening, this recipe shines with its simplicity and mouthwatering taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and butter creates a sweet glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pan is all you need, saving you time on washing up after dinner.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Honey Butter Chicken experience seamless, gather your tools before you start cooking. Having everything at hand will ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even heat distribution, ensuring your chicken cooks perfectly while achieving a nice caramelization.
- Mixing Bowl: This is essential for combining your dry ingredients and preparing the honey butter sauce without mess.
Ingredients
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!
For the Chicken
- 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)
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 Chicken Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Garlic powder
3. Cayenne pepper
4. Onion powder
5. Salt
6. Ground black pepper
Coat each piece of chicken in this mixture until well covered.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add unsalted butter and canola oil.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks:
1. In another bowl, mix room temperature butter, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through:
1. Pour the honey butter sauce over it.
2. Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly.
3. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Chicken over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables!
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Honey Butter Chicken is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic choice, the fluffy texture of steamed rice absorbs the honey butter sauce perfectly.
- Fried Rice: For a twist, serve with fried rice mixed with vegetables for added flavor and nutrients.
On a Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: Add sliced Honey Butter Chicken on top of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw complements the tender chicken well.
As Tacos
- Honey Butter Chicken Tacos: Serve shredded chicken in soft tortillas topped with avocado and cilantro for a unique twist on tacos.
With Vegetables
- Sautéed Broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli balances the sweetness of the chicken.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring out the honey flavor in the dish.
How to Perfect Honey Butter Chicken
Achieving the perfect Honey Butter Chicken is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked just until it’s no longer pink to keep it juicy.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to add more or less honey according to your taste preference.
- Add Heat: A pinch of chili flakes can give your dish an extra kick if you enjoy spicy food.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows flavors to meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Chicken
When serving Honey Butter Chicken, complement it with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair wonderfully with this sweet chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds a seasonal touch and balances flavors nicely.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide crunch and freshness.
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits can soak up any leftover honey butter sauce for a delightful experience.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds nutrition and zest to your meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese offers comfort and richness alongside this dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Honey Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken – Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Aim for a golden-brown color and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t melt evenly and can affect the sauce’s consistency. Use room temperature butter for a smooth honey butter mixture.
- Forgetting to cut the chicken evenly – Unevenly cut pieces can lead to inconsistent cooking times. Make sure all chicken pieces are about one inch for even cooking.
- Neglecting the sauce balance – Too much honey can overpower other flavors. Adjust the honey and soy sauce balance to suit your taste preferences.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- How long: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Containers: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Freezing Honey Butter Chicken
- How long: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Honey Butter Chicken
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Honey Butter Chicken that might help you in your cooking journey.
Can I use other types of meat for Honey Butter Chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
What sides go well with Honey Butter Chicken?
Served best with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. These sides complement the dish nicely.
Is Honey Butter Chicken healthy?
While it’s delicious, it is moderately high in calories due to honey and butter. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet!
How do I make Honey Butter Chicken spicy?
Add more cayenne pepper or include sliced jalapeños when cooking for an extra kick of heat.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Chicken is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. Its sweet and savory flavor profile makes it versatile enough for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices for your taste. Give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a family favorite!
Honey Butter Chicken
Honey Butter Chicken is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes! This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious honey butter glaze, creating a sweet and savory flavor that everyone will adore. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this one-pan meal minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete dinner that’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup honey
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 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
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken pieces in the flour mixture.
- Heat a skillet with butter and oil over medium heat; cook the chicken until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, mix remaining butter, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper for the glaze.
- Pour the glaze over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
