Sizzling Honey Butter Chicken Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Crispy chicken finds its perfect match in a luscious honey butter glaze that promises pure comfort.

Tender meat gets wrapped in a golden, crackling exterior that melts in your mouth.

Our kitchen discovered this magical combination by accident during a lazy Sunday afternoon experiment.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated unexpected flavor marriages like these.

Sweet and savory notes dance together, creating a dish that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

butter and honey blend into a silky coating that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when only maximum deliciousness will do.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and can be even more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. You’ll need to use gluten-free flour for dredging and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine just before serving to maintain the crispy texture.

Honey Butter Chicken: Sweet and Savory Delight

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Whip up this delectable chicken dish in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Ingredients: Create a restaurant-worthy meal using simple pantry staples like honey, butter, and soy sauce that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dining experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delight everyone at the table with a sweet and savory combination that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces during family meals.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Master a foolproof method of pan-searing chicken that results in a golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a go-to recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients Needed for Honey Butter Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein in this flavorful dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Paprika: Optional spice that adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a crispy golden exterior when dredging the chicken.

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce and helps with caramelization.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a savory, umami depth to the honey butter sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the sweet and savory elements.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Chives: Adds a fresh, bright color and a mild herbaceous note to finish the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.

How to Cook Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over chicken breasts.

Gently coat each piece with flour, tapping off any extra flour to create a light, even layer.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken breasts until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are fully cooked through, flipping once halfway.

This should take about 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add finely chopped garlic.

Stir and cook until the garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic, which takes roughly 1 minute.

Step 4: Whip Up Honey Butter Sauce

Pour in honey and soy sauce, stirring continuously.

Let the mixture simmer and reduce, thickening slightly over 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Caramelize

Return chicken to the skillet, generously coating each piece with the glossy honey butter sauce.

Allow the chicken to cook for an additional minute, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken for a pop of color and extra flavor before bringing to the table.

Pro Tips for Honey Butter Chicken

• Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping and ensure a light, crispy coating on the chicken.
• Use medium heat to achieve golden-brown chicken without burning, creating a delicious exterior and juicy interior.
• Simmer honey and soy sauce slowly to thicken naturally, allowing flavors to meld and create a glossy glaze.
• Let chicken rest in the sauce for an extra minute to develop rich, deep flavors and create a beautiful shiny finish.
• Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.

Variations on Honey Butter Chicken

• Gluten-Free Chicken Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free coating. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to maintain the recipe's flavor profile.
• Spicy Honey Butter Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick. Incorporate sriracha or hot sauce to increase heat intensity.
• Low-Carb Chicken Option: Skip flour dredging completely. Use a mixture of crushed pork rinds or grated parmesan cheese as a crispy alternative coating.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Variation: Replace garlic with fresh thyme or rosemary. Add fresh herbs directly into the honey butter sauce for a more aromatic experience.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Butter Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair the honey butter chicken with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Veggie Companion: Roast seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus as a colorful and nutritious side that complements the chicken's sweet and savory profile.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped green onions or extra fresh herbs on top to add a bright, crisp layer of flavor and enhance the dish's visual appeal.
• Dining Delight: Serve with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the honey butter sauce.

Storage Tips for Honey Butter Chicken

• Store honey butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place chicken in a single layer to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to keep moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey butter chicken blends sweet and savory flavors from Southern American kitchens. Golden-crusted chicken pieces drizzled with rich honey butter sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika, then thoroughly coat with flour, ensuring excess is shaken off.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Sear chicken breasts until achieving a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, roughly 30-45 seconds.
4. Pour honey and soy sauce into the skillet, whisking continuously. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to develop a slightly thickened consistency.
5. Carefully return chicken to the skillet, gently rotating pieces to ensure complete coverage with the honey butter glaze. Cook for an additional 60-90 seconds to caramelize the sauce and enhance flavor intensity.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve immediately while the chicken remains warm and sauce is glossy.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking, ensuring tender and juicy results.
• Patting chicken dry before seasoning helps create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio for customized sweetness, making the dish more tangy or sweeter based on personal preference.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch to maintain crispy chicken coating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 312 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg