Honey Butter Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and bursting with flavor, this Honey Butter Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that will have your family asking for seconds. Perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious honey butter sauce that elevates any meal. It’s quick to prepare and sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip up this dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, butter, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that your taste buds will adore.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, alongside veggies, or in a wrap for a delightful twist.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
- Easy Clean-Up: With minimal ingredients and one pan required, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking the Honey Butter Chicken, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and browning of the chicken while allowing you to easily mix in the honey butter sauce.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for creating the perfect balance of flavors in your Honey Butter Chicken.
- Spatula: A spatula helps you flip the chicken pieces without damaging them, ensuring they remain juicy.
Ingredients
For the Coating
- 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
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or any light oil)
- 1 tbsp green onions (sliced)
For the 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 flour, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Add the cut chicken breasts to the bowl with the flour mixture. Toss until each piece is fully coated with the seasoning blend.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet
Place a skillet over medium heat. Add unsalted butter and canola oil. Allow them to melt together until hot.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Once your skillet is ready:
1. Add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer.
2. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken cooks:
– In a separate bowl, whisk together room temperature butter, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 6: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked:
– Pour the honey butter sauce over it in the skillet.
– Stir gently to coat all pieces evenly. Cook for another minute until heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Chicken!
How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Serving Honey Butter Chicken is all about complementing its sweet and savory flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice: The fluffy texture of steamed white rice soaks up the honey butter sauce beautifully.
- Fried Rice: Add some veggies and protein for a colorful fried rice that pairs well with the chicken.
With Vegetables
- Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp green beans add a fresh crunch that balances the dish’s richness.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side.
In a Wrap
- Honey Butter Chicken Wraps: Use tortillas to create wraps filled with honey butter chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes for a fun twist.
With Salad
- Crisp Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hot, sticky chicken.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw will add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the chicken.
How to Perfect Honey Butter Chicken
To make your Honey Butter Chicken even more delicious, consider these simple tips. They will help you achieve perfect results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality honey make all the difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming instead of frying.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the cayenne pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices for an even juicier bite.
- Serve Immediately: Honey Butter Chicken is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while it’s warm and sticky.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Butter Chicken
Pairing sides with Honey Butter Chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of color and sweetness that’s ideal alongside this dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts provide a healthy, flavorful contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs offers a nutritious balance to your meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese makes for an indulgent side that kids will love.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness that pairs well with honey butter flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks encounter issues when making Honey Butter Chicken. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
- Using too much flour: Adding excessive flour can make the chicken coating thick and gummy. Use only the recommended amount for a light, crispy texture.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure juicy, tender pieces.
- Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to soak in flavors can lead to bland results. Even a quick 10-minute marinade enhances taste significantly.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: If you prefer more heat, adjust the cayenne pepper accordingly. Personalizing spice levels makes your dish more enjoyable.
- Rushing the honey butter mixture: Mixing honey with butter too quickly can prevent proper emulsification. Stir gently until fully combined for a smooth sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the chicken has cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing Honey Butter Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Separate portions for easy thawing and reheating later.
Reheating Honey Butter Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Honey Butter Chicken that might help you enhance your cooking experience.
What is Honey Butter Chicken?
Honey Butter Chicken is a sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a delicious honey butter sauce, perfect for quick dinners.
Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute chicken thighs or tenders if you prefer. Adjust cooking time as needed based on size.
How do I make Honey Butter Chicken gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
What sides pair well with Honey Butter Chicken?
Serve it with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that complements the sweetness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Chicken is not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding your favorite vegetables. Try this delightful recipe tonight and enjoy its comforting flavors!
Honey Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Butter Chicken is a delightful, sweet, and savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this easy-to-make recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious honey butter sauce. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. Serve it over rice, alongside veggies, or in a wrap to enjoy a flavorful experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup honey
- 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 (or any light oil)
- 1 tbsp green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Combine flour and spices in a bowl. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly.
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side).
- Mix room temperature butter, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in another bowl.
- Pour the honey butter sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir gently to coat evenly and heat through for another minute.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
