Honey Butter Chicken

There’s something magical about the combination of honey and butter. This Honey Butter Chicken recipe takes that magic to the next level by blending the richness of butter with the sweetness of honey and the savory depth of soy sauce. It’s a quick dish that packs a ton of flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something a bit special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a fast, tasty meal with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, the golden, glazed chicken looks impressive enough to serve at a dinner party! Let’s dive into the details of this delicious meal and discover why it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when time is short.
  2. Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list—most of the ingredients are pantry staples.
  3. Versatile: This honey butter sauce is so delicious, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything, from chicken to veggies and even rice.
  4. Kid-Friendly: The sweet honey glaze will have even the pickiest eaters asking for seconds!
  5. Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats wonderfully, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Next, stir in the honey and soy sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic happens—the butter and honey will combine to form a luscious, glossy sauce.
  4. Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the honey butter sauce over each piece. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Be sure to coat each piece of chicken generously with the glaze.
  5. Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes—rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables all pair beautifully with this sweet and savory chicken.

Helpful Tips

  • Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them down to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
  • Add a Citrus Kick: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the dish and balance out the sweetness of the honey.
  • Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it while sautéing. Burnt garlic will give the sauce a bitter flavor.
  • Sauce Consistency: If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken back in. Alternatively, add a small splash of chicken broth to thin it out if you prefer more sauce.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

  • This recipe works well with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, which tends to stay even juicier.
  • You can swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftover honey butter sauce? Drizzle it over roasted veggies for a quick flavor upgrade.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~320 kcal
  • Protein: 27g
  • Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 400mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They may take a little longer to cook, but they’re extra juicy and pair wonderfully with the honey butter sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat honey butter chicken?
The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop. Simply place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the texture may not be quite as crisp.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days, and when you’re ready to eat, simply reheat both components and glaze the chicken with the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other simple and delicious dishes:

Conclusion

Honey Butter Chicken is the ultimate dish for those who love a sweet and savory combination. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner with friends, this recipe will impress. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!

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Honey Butter Chicken


  • Author: Martha

Description

There’s something magical about the combination of honey and butter. This Honey Butter Chicken recipe takes that magic to the next level by blending the richness of butter with the sweetness of honey and the savory depth of soy sauce. It’s a quick dish that packs a ton of flavor, making it a perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something a bit special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is ideal for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a fast, tasty meal with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Plus, the golden, glazed chicken looks impressive enough to serve at a dinner party! Let’s dive into the details of this delicious meal and discover why it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Next, stir in the honey and soy sauce, bringing the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic happens—the butter and honey will combine to form a luscious, glossy sauce.
  • Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the honey butter sauce over each piece. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Be sure to coat each piece of chicken generously with the glaze.
  • Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes—rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables all pair beautifully with this sweet and savory chicken.

Notes

  • This recipe works well with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, which tends to stay even juicier.
  • You can swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftover honey butter sauce? Drizzle it over roasted veggies for a quick flavor upgrade.

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