If you are on the hunt for a dish that brilliantly balances sweet and savory with a golden, crispy finish, this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender chicken chunks coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mix, fried to a crispy perfection, and then enveloped in a luscious honey butter glaze that’s tangy, buttery, and irresistibly satisfying. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a comforting yet elevated meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends over dinner. Trust me, once you try this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor and texture. From the flour that crisps the chicken to the honey that adds a warm sweetness, each element is simple but essential. Let’s break it down so you can see just how each part makes this recipe a winner.
- 1.3lb / 600g boneless skinless chicken thighs: These juicy chunks provide tender, flavorful meat that holds up perfectly to frying and saucing.
- 1/3 cup / 50g flour: Coats the chicken for a crispy, golden crust that locks in moisture.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons the flour blend.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle depth and a gentle savory note.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a mild pungency that complements the honey.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a slight kick to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Used for frying and in the sauce, offering richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve a beautifully crisp crust when frying.
- 1/3 cup / 110g honey: The star of the sauce that provides a natural, floral sweetness.
- 5 tbsp / 75g unsalted butter: Melts into the honey creating that velvety, buttery glaze.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with a bright tang, keeping the sauce balanced.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a subtle saltiness to enhance the flavor complexity.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste: Final seasoning tweaks to bring everything into harmony.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Begin by mixing the flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. This seasoning combo not only flavors the chicken but also creates a crisp, flavorful shell. Toss the bite-sized chicken chunks in this mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated. This is your first layer of deliciousness and a key to that satisfying crunch we all love.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat. The combo ensures a golden crust without burning. Add the coated chicken pieces and fry them patiently until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, sealing in that juicy interior. Remember, this step is about building texture and rich flavor, so take your time.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, melt the butter and then stir in the honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Heating these together creates a glossy, thick sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Simmer the mixture gently until it slightly thickens—this is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell heavenly.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Once your sauce has reached that luscious consistency, toss the crispy fried chicken in the pan, making sure every piece is drenched in that beautiful honey butter glaze. This final step brings together all the textures and flavors into a harmonious bite. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy, saucy goodness at its best.
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
While the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe shines on its own, adding fresh garnishes can elevate the dish. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley not only brightens the plate but also adds a subtle fresh contrast. Toasted sesame seeds are another fantastic option for a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the honey glaze.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Honey Butter Chicken as finger food for a casual gathering by skewering the glazed chicken chunks for easy snacking. Alternatively, turn it into a delicious wrap with fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce for a satisfying lunch. No matter how you present it, this recipe never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to preserve that flavorful coating, but expect the crispy crust to soften after refrigeration—that’s natural but just as tasty.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the chicken pieces and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to retain moisture and flavor before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm the chicken gently over medium heat in a skillet to crisp it back up, adding a splash of water or extra honey butter sauce if needed to keep it moist. Microwaving is also an option, but it may soften the crust more quickly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts can also work. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out faster.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The sweetness in the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is balanced by the tang from apple cider vinegar and the umami from soy sauce, creating a delightful harmony rather than an overpowering sweetness.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
You can bake the chicken coated in the flour mixture at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the texture will be slightly different, it’s a great option for a lighter version.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice can be used as alternatives to provide that necessary acidic brightness in the sauce.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to coat the chicken. Make sure your soy sauce is also gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is truly a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a spectacularly delicious meal. With its crispy-coated chicken and that irresistible, buttery-honey glaze, it’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a happy staple in your kitchen as well!
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Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a crispy seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a luscious, sweet, and tangy honey butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances savory and sweet flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1.3lb / 600g boneless skinless chicken thigh, diced into large bite sized chunks
- 1/3 cup / 50g flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cooking
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 1/3 cup / 110g honey
- 5 tbsp / 75g / 2.6oz 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 the flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss the diced chicken thighs in this seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir in honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the crispy fried chicken pieces in the thickened honey butter sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat with a rich flavor.
- Adjust honey quantity to make the sauce sweeter or less sweet according to preference.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping back into the flour mixture before frying.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or fresh vegetables.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before tossing in sauce to avoid undercooked poultry.
