The Creamiest Honey Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy, golden chicken meets a luscious honey butter glaze that turns an ordinary meal into pure comfort.

This honey butter chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Southern-style cooking rarely gets more delectable than this mouthwatering dish.

Each tender bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Honey Butter Chicken Delivers Sweet Savory Joy

• Savor Simple Flavor Fusion: This recipe blends sweet honey and savory soy sauce with tender chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that delights taste buds without complicated techniques.
• Whip Up Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this dish in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal that doesn't require extensive cooking skills.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Enjoy the convenience of cooking everything in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after preparing a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting honey and soy sauce levels or adding your favorite herbs and spices to suit personal preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of meat that serves as the primary protein for this dish.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• Honey, Soy Sauce: Create a sweet and savory glaze that coats the chicken with delicious flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb used as a fresh garnish to add color and mild herbal notes.

Cooking Steps for Juicy Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken thighs and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper, making sure each piece gets a delicious coating of seasoning.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Start Cooking

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and let the butter melt smoothly, creating a golden base for your chicken.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into the sizzling butter, cooking each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy exterior.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around the chicken, releasing its incredible fragrance and adding depth to the dish.

Step 5: Create Honey Soy Glaze

Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring everything together to create a luxurious, sticky coating that will make your taste buds sing.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook

Continue cooking the chicken, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness, then serve this mouthwatering Honey Butter Chicken immediately while it’s hot and glistening.

Tips for Crispy, Saucy Honey Butter Chicken

• Keep heat at medium to avoid scorching butter and chicken, ensuring golden-brown color without bitter taste.
• Let sauce simmer uncovered to reduce liquid and create rich, glossy coating that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
• Choose dark honey like buckwheat or wildflower for deeper, more complex sweetness in the sauce.
• Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

New Ideas for Honey Butter Chicken Dishes

• Spicy Honey Chicken: Replace honey with sriracha honey and add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos and use ghee instead of butter to create a keto-friendly version.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Mix dried thyme and rosemary into the seasoning and use herb-infused butter for extra flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari sauce instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Serving Honey Butter Chicken Hot

• Golden Plate Partner: Serve over steamed white rice to soak up the delicious honey butter sauce, creating a perfect flavor combination.
• Veggie Companion: Pair with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal that adds nutrition and color to the plate.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped green onions or additional fresh parsley on top to enhance the presentation and add a bright, herbal note to the rich chicken.
• Comfort Combo: Create a complete comfort meal by adding mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls on the side to complement the sweet and savory chicken.

Best Ways to Store Honey Butter Chicken

• Store leftover honey butter chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Stir sauce midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, add splash of water or extra sauce. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• Is honey butter chicken spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It’s a sweet and savory dish with a mild garlic flavor that balances the honey’s sweetness.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than chicken thighs.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley for garnish?

You can skip the parsley or use other fresh herbs like chives or green onions as an alternative garnish.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey butter chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors. Golden-brown chicken breasts glazed in rich, silky honey butter sauce promise a mouthwatering meal that delights taste buds and brings comfort to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with seasoning, ensuring even coverage of salt and pepper.
2. Heat skillet over medium temperature and allow butter to melt completely, creating a smooth cooking surface.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs into the buttered skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to release aromatic flavors without burning.
5. Drizzle honey and soy sauce over the chicken, gently rotating the pieces to ensure comprehensive sauce coverage.
6. Reduce heat and simmer, allowing the liquid to transform into a glossy, concentrated glaze while checking chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Remove from heat and let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes to seal in moisture and allow sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the chicken for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while hot and glistening.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness, which helps prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption while maintaining tender texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and enhances caramelization.
• use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced salt intake or swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 359 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg