Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Nothing beats the cozy feeling of coming home to the inviting aroma of dinner simmering on the stove. There’s something extra special about reaching for a beloved family recipe that warms the heart and fills the belly. This Honey Butter Chicken encapsulates all those delightful feelings of comfort and happiness. With its golden, crispy chicken thighs enveloped in a glossy, sweet sauce, it’s a dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s also a recipe that gets you to savor every tender bite, making you wish for just one more piece!
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: This Honey Butter Chicken comes together in under 30 minutes — perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Family favorite: Full of tender chicken and savory sweetness, it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters.
- One-pan wonder: Easy cleanup makes it a winner for busy home cooks.
- Crispy and golden: Each piece of chicken is perfectly seared, giving it that irresistible crunch.
- Glorious honey butter sauce: The rich, sticky sauce that clings to the chicken elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless skinless, cut into 2” pieces)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp flour (Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1 can be used)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley
Let’s Make It Together
Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are lightly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Make sure each piece is well-seared for that perfect crunch. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add the Garlic: Once the chicken is crispy, add the sliced garlic to the pan. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, letting that wonderful aroma envelop your kitchen.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add the cold butter to the pan. Stir in the water, honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and rice vinegar. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it’s fully coated and the honey butter sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot. Enjoy every mouthful of this sweet and savory delight!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Zesty Citrus Kick: Add a splash of fresh orange or lemon juice to the honey butter sauce for a bright, zesty twist that complements the richness beautifully.
- Spice it Up: If you love some heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving for a touch of spice that dances on your palate.
- Creamy Mushroom Addition: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a creamy, earthy addition that takes this dish to new heights.
- Honey Mustard Blend: Swap out some honey for Dijon mustard in the sauce for a tangy, savory variation that’s equally delicious.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Option: Marinate the chicken in the cornstarch and flour mixture ahead of time to save on prep. Just remember to coat it right before you cook for crispy results!
Ingredient Swaps: You can easily substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different type of sweetness — both are delicious!
Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for the best texture.
Slicing Tips: For even cooking, always cut the chicken into uniform pieces — this ensures they cook evenly and develop that perfect golden brown crust.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 450mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken up to a day in advance. Simply coat it in the cornstarch mixture and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in different sauces for the honey butter — consider a sweet chili sauce for a fun twist!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
When refrigerated properly, this chicken dish will stay fresh for 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Wrapping It Up
This Honey Butter Chicken is much more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate that recalls moments of warmth and family togetherness. Every bite brings a little sunshine to your day, and the ease of preparation means it’s perfect for gathering around the dinner table, sharing stories, and making memories. Save this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
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Honey Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and comforting dish featuring crispy chicken thighs in a rich, sticky honey butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless skinless, cut into 2″ pieces)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp flour (Bob’s gluten free 1 to 1 can be used)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 3 garlic cloves (sliced thinly)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Finely chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the chicken pieces in the mixture until they are lightly coated.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the sliced garlic to the pan. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and add the cold butter to the pan. Stir in the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and rice vinegar. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it’s fully coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time. Just marinate chicken prior to cooking for better results. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
