If you are on the lookout for a dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory with a crispy, buttery finish, this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy chicken thigh pieces, golden-fried to perfection, and then tossed in a luscious sauce made from honey, butter, and just a touch of tangy apple cider vinegar. Every bite delivers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy with its simplicity and bold taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role. From the hearty chicken thighs to the sweet honey and rich butter, every element contributes to creating a satisfying combination of flavors and a lovely golden color.
- 1.3lb / 600g boneless skinless Chicken Thigh, diced: Provides tender, juicy pieces that hold up well to frying and sauce.
- 1/3 cup / 50g Flour: Helps to create a crispy coating when frying the chicken.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Brings in warmth and aroma that pairs wonderfully with the honey butter glaze.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Adds slight heat and sharpness to the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Used for frying and melting into the sauce to create richness.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Perfect for frying to get a crispy crust without burning.
- 1/3 cup / 110g Honey: The star sweetener that gives this recipe its signature flavor.
- 5 tbsp / 75g Unsalted Butter: Melted into the sauce for smoothness and depth.
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet honey.
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: Brings umami and a subtle savory edge.
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste: Final seasoning adjustments to balance the flavors.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by mixing the flour with salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. This flavorful coating is what will give the chicken a crisp texture. Then, toss your diced chicken thigh pieces into this mixture, making sure each chunk is evenly covered. This makes every bite irresistibly crunchy on the outside while juicy inside.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the unsalted butter and olive oil together until sizzling. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces, frying them on medium heat until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp on both sides. This step builds the base of flavor and texture, so be patient and keep an eye on the color.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Once your chicken is fried and resting, use the same pan and melt the remaining butter. Stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce. Let this mixture simmer gently until it thickens into a glossy, sticky sauce that smells absolutely divine. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste, balancing sweetness with tang and savoriness.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the crispy chicken pieces to the pan and toss them thoroughly in the honey butter sauce. Every bite should be coated with that sticky, flavorful glaze, making the dish absolutely irresistible. Serve immediately to enjoy that satisfying crunch alongside the luscious sauce.
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions add a nice pop of color and freshness that contrasts the sweetness and richness of the chicken. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also works beautifully to introduce a little nutty crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly, or some roasted vegetables for a lighter, balanced meal. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing crunch and keep things bright on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy cauliflower rice to mix textures. You could also skewer the chicken pieces and drizzle them with the sauce for a party appetizer. Using edible flowers as a garnish can elevate the look dramatically for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge; just let it come to room temperature before reheating or stir in a splash of water to loosen it up gently.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken pieces and sauce separately to preserve texture and flavor. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Honey Butter Chicken Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine but tends to be leaner and can dry out more quickly. Keep an eye on cooking time to retain juiciness.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as alternatives to provide that necessary tang in the sauce.
Is it okay to use honey alternatives like maple syrup?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, though they will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Honey is preferred for its classic sweetness that complements the butter perfectly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is best with chicken for the classic flavor, but you could try using crispy tofu or cauliflower florets as a vegetarian alternative tossed in the honey butter sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you want to cook it over and over again. Its delicious balance of crispy, sweet, tangy, and savory notes is comforting and exciting in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find a new go-to meal that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor!
Print
Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe features tender, crispy chicken thighs coated in a flavorful flour and spice mix, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a rich, sweet, and tangy honey butter sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a delightful dish that brings a perfect balance of savory and sweetness to your dinner table, ideal for a family meal or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Chicken Coating
- 1.3 lb / 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced into large bite-sized chunks
- 1/3 cup / 50 g flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking Fat
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/3 cup / 110 g honey
- 5 tbsp / 75 g / 2.6 oz unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat the diced chicken pieces with this seasoned flour mixture to prepare for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, ensuring they’re cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture gently until it thickens into a glossy honey butter sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the fried chicken pieces in the prepared honey butter sauce until they are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet and savory treat!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful.
- Adjust honey quantity to make the sauce sweeter or less sweet according to your preference.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce the salt content.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
