Name: Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup honey; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’ve ever wished dinner could feel both extravagant and effortless, the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what your table needs. Imagine juicy chicken thighs, golden and crisp at the edges, bathed in a glossy sauce that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and rich—ready in just a half hour! This easy skillet creation is an absolute weeknight hero, and I can’t wait to show you all the tricks for making it as mouthwatering as possible.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is handpicked to balance flavor and texture, while a handful of pantry staples come together to create the most irresistible glaze imaginable.

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are impossibly tender and soak up the sauce beautifully; you can use chicken breast, but keep a close eye on the cooking time.
Honey: Adds luscious sweetness and a glossy, caramelized finish to every bite.
Unsalted Butter: Makes the sauce rich, creamy, and utterly decadent, setting the dish apart from your typical skillet chicken.
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring bold, aromatic flavor that lifts the whole dish.
Soy Sauce: A touch of umami that grounds the sauce’s sweetness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash for brightness—this is the secret ingredient that keeps the glaze from being too heavy.
Smoked Paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the chicken.
Chili Flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of spice.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip the seasoning!
Olive Oil: Guarantees a beautiful sear and locks in moisture.
Fresh Parsley: A dusting of bright green to finish—fresh, vibrant, and so pretty on the plate.

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Let’s start with the most important building block: flavor! First, pat your chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully in the pan and keeps the skin from steaming. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and that gorgeous smoked paprika. You’ll see the chicken take on a warm, red hue—a good promise of things to come.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, add your seasoned chicken in a single layer—don’t crowd them! Give each side 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden and nearly cooked through. That golden crust protects the chicken, keeping it juicy, while also layering on big, savory flavor. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate. We’ll finish it in the sauce soon.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Turn down the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter directly into the same pan (no need to clean it—hello, flavor!). Once melted and just beginning to bubble, add the minced garlic. Gently sauté for a minute until your kitchen smells amazing. Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and those chili flakes if you’re using them. Stir everything together until it becomes a silky, aromatic sauce that’s bubbling and tempting enough to taste by the spoonful.

Step 4: Glaze and Simmer

Time for the star of this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe to return! Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the bubbling sauce, making sure each piece gets a generous coat. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, spooning sauce over the top now and then. The chicken will finish cooking and turn tender, while the glaze thickens and clings to every morsel.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and scatter over plenty of chopped fresh parsley for that final touch of brightness. Serve hot and make sure to drizzle every serving with lots of that luscious honey butter glaze—this is what makes the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finish with a fistful of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra chili flakes will make your plate pop. Lemon wedges on the side can be a welcome addition for guests who love a little zing.

Side Dishes

Honey Butter Chicken is just begging to be served over buttery mashed potatoes, steamed jasmine rice, or fluffy couscous, all of which will soak up that golden glaze. Roasted or sautéed green vegetables—think asparagus, broccolini, or peas—bring brightness and color alongside this rich main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight, simply slice up the chicken and spoon the sauce on top. But for dinner parties, try piling the glazed chicken pieces on a platter, dusting with fresh herbs, and letting the glossy sauce pool elegantly underneath. You can even tuck leftovers inside warm rolls for killer sandwiches the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Honey Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even richer overnight, making it a fantastic dish for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then pack it (along with all the sauce) into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before you plan to reheat and serve it again.

Reheating

For best texture, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium-low, spooning the sauce over to keep it moist. You can microwave individual portions, but using the skillet preserves the most flavor and keeps the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them. They tend to dry out faster than thighs, so reduce the simmering time and check for doneness earlier.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

If you’d like to make a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based butter alternative or even some coconut oil in place of the butter. The sauce will still be rich and delicious with that lovely honey flavor shining through.

What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even a splash of lemon juice make good substitutes. The acidity is important—it balances the sweetness of the honey and richness of the butter in the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe.

Is it very spicy with the chili flakes?

The chili flakes add just a hint of heat, but you control how spicy you want the sauce. Add more for a bolder kick, or skip them entirely for a mild, family-friendly dish.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, and you should if you love extra sauce for drizzling! Simply double the sauce ingredients while keeping the rest of the steps exactly the same. This is especially lovely if serving the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe over rice or mashed potatoes.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is my go-to for those nights when I crave something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. If you love a dish that’s both show-stopping and straightforward, please give it a try—you’ll see just how fast it becomes a new favorite at your table!

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of this Honey Butter Chicken recipe that features tender chicken thighs glazed with a luscious honey butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce:

½ cup honey
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sear Chicken: Sear in olive oil until golden; set aside.
Make Sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, simmer in sauce until cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot!