Honey Butter Chicken

Why You’ll Love Tried & True Honey Butter Rolls  Recipe

• Simple: uses everyday ingredients and minimal fuss

• Flavor‑packed: the honey‑butter sauce delivers sweet, savory and sticky texture in each bite

• Crunchy outside, juicy inside: the chicken gets coated and shallow‑fried for crust without being heavy

• Fast: total time is around 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders (preferred for juiciness)

• All‑purpose flour

• Kosher salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Olive oil (or vegetable/canola oil) for frying

For the honey butter sauce:

• Unsalted butter

• Honey

• Minced fresh garlic

• Light soy sauce

Directions

1. In a large bowl or on a flat plate, mix the flour with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the chicken pieces thoroughly in the flour mixture to ensure full coating.

2. Heat oil in a large pan over medium‑high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same pan, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Let the mixture bubble and thicken slightly into a glossy sauce.

4. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss well to coat every piece in the honey butter sauce. Let cook for an additional minute so the sauce clings to the chicken.

5. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Servings and timing

• Yield: About 5 servings

• Prep time: ~10 minutes

• Cook time: ~20 minutes

• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken breasts or tenders instead of thighs (adjust cooking time accordingly)

• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose

• Add spice: Mix in cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce

• Swap honey for maple syrup or a mix of honey and brown sugar for a deeper sweetness

• Make it dairy-free: substitute butter with vegan butter

• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave briefly until heated through

• Not recommended for freezing as the crispy coating may become soggy after thawing

FAQs

What kind of chicken cut works best?

Boneless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful while developing a nice crust. Breasts or tenders can also be used with adjusted cooking time.

Do I need to deep-fry the chicken?

No. Shallow frying in a skillet is enough to achieve a golden crispy crust without using excess oil.

How sticky is the sauce?

The sauce becomes thick and glossy, sticking well to the chicken for a satisfying sweet-savory finish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, but it’s best served immediately to keep the coating crispy.

Is this recipe very sweet?

The honey provides a noticeable sweetness, but it’s balanced by garlic and soy sauce. You can reduce the honey slightly if you prefer a less sweet dish.

What should I serve with Honey Butter Chicken?

Great pairings include white or brown rice, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.

Can I use skin-on or bone-in chicken?

Yes, but cooking time will increase. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I adjust the sauce for extra flavor?

Yes. Add a splash of vinegar for tang, sesame oil for nuttiness, or extra garlic for bolder flavor.

How do I ensure the crust stays crisp after coating in sauce?

Make sure to drain excess oil from the fried chicken before adding it to the sauce, and serve immediately for the best texture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, though the coating may soften over time. For best results, store the sauce separately and combine when reheating.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Chicken is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish packed with big flavors and satisfying texture. With its crispy golden crust and glossy sweet-savory sauce, this recipe delivers comfort food appeal in under 30 minutes. Whether served over rice or with veggies, it’s a versatile and delicious addition to your dinner rotation.