Name: Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper; 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 garnish); 5 tbsp butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup honey; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe with anyone who loves sweet and savory flavors dancing together on their plate. This dish combines tender, golden-fried chicken bites coated in a luscious honey butter sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a touch of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Every time I make it, the aroma fills my kitchen with warmth and excitement, and it’s become one of my go-to recipes for weeknight dinners or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

What makes this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe so special to me is its perfectly harmonious flavor profile. The crispy, seasoned chicken paired with a buttery, sweet honey sauce is comforting yet sophisticated. I love that the sauce develops a gorgeous, caramel-like thickness that clings to every piece of chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to put down. The subtle zing of apple cider vinegar and saltiness from soy sauce cut through the sweetness just enough to keep every bite interesting and balanced.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. The ingredient list is straightforward and pantry-friendly, and the cooking process is simple yet rewarding. I have enjoyed making this dish for casual dinners or special occasions like family gatherings because it feels indulgent but requires minimal fuss. Plus, you can have it plated and ready in about 20 minutes, which is a win in my book when hunger strikes or when time is tight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows raw chicken slices in a clear glass bowl at the center placed on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there is a small white bowl filled with chopped green onions below it, to the left are two whole green onions. Above the bowl of chicken, there is a small glass measuring cup filled with yellow oil. To the left of the oil, there is an open bag of flour. To the bottom left, there is a wooden tray holding three pieces of butter. Around the chicken bowl, there are four small glass jars with different spices — one with a spilled light brown powder near the top right, one with white salt in a wooden bowl near the upper right, one with a light tan spice to the bottom right with some spilled on the surface, and one orange brown spice on the right side. A white cloth is partially visible at the bottom and top right corners. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the wonderful taste and texture I love. These simple staples come together to provide crunch, flavor depth, and that irresistible glossy honey butter glaze.

All-purpose flour: This forms the delicious crispy coating on the chicken, helping it brown beautifully.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic punch to the chicken seasoning.
Cayenne pepper: Just a tiny bit for a gentle hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Onion powder: Deepens the savory flavor in the flour seasoning mix.
Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall dish.
Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect sauce coating.
Unsalted butter: Used for frying and making the luscious honey butter sauce.
Canola oil (or any light oil): Helps achieve a crispy sear without overpowering flavors.
Green onions: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Honey: Brings the signature sweetness and sticky texture to the sauce.
Soy sauce: Adds umami richness and balances the sweetness with a savory note.
Apple cider vinegar: Provides a mild tang that brightens up the sauce, keeping it lively and fresh.

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create your seasoned flour coating.

Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the flour mixture and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated, ensuring every bite will have that crispy, flavorful outer layer.

Step 3: Heat the unsalted butter and canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture starts to sizzle.

Step 4: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the skillet in a single layer, shaking off any excess flour before dropping them in. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown all over. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 5: Lower the heat to low and add the remaining butter into the same skillet. Once melted, stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6: Continue stirring the sauce gently over low heat. Watch as it transforms and thickens into a smooth, silky, caramel-like glaze that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 7: Return the fried chicken to the skillet and toss gently to ensure every piece is fully covered in the honey butter sauce. Once coated, turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for about 5 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Step 8: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish generously with sliced green onions for a fresh contrast and serve it alongside fluffy white rice and sautéed green beans for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mainly for chopping and coating the chicken. Cooking takes about 10 minutes, including frying and sauce preparation, giving a total time of around 20 minutes. After cooking, I recommend letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes in the sauce before serving to deepen the flavor and ensure the sauce is perfectly absorbed.

How to Serve This Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows four steps of cooking a sauce with fried pieces. The first step is a black cast iron pan on a white marbled surface with golden brown fried pieces bubbling in oil, and a light wooden spatula resting near the pan. The second step has the same pan containing a thick, deep reddish-brown sauce bubbling, with a wooden spoon stirring it, and a white bowl filled with fried pieces sitting on the top right. The third step shows the pan with a lighter brown creamy sauce being stirred by the wooden spoon, the white bowl with fried pieces visible again. The last step is a close-up of the fried pieces fully coated in a shiny, thick reddish-brown sauce, with visible texture and gloss. The background is a white marbled surface with light beige linen cloths around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serving this Honey Butter Chicken is always a joy because the flavors are so versatile and crowd-pleasing. My favorite way is alongside steamed white rice which soaks up that luscious honey butter sauce beautifully. For some fresh texture, sautéed or roasted green beans add a crisp, vibrant touch that balances the richness. If you want to get creative, garlic mashed potatoes or a simple cabbage slaw also pair wonderfully.

When plating, I like to spoon extra sauce from the pan over the chicken pieces for that glossy finish, then sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. For family dinners, style the plate with generous portions, but for parties or appetizers, you can serve the chicken pieces on skewers or toothpicks for easy sharing.

As for drinks, I find a lightly chilled Riesling or a sparkling white wine pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory notes of the dish. If you prefer cocktails, a bourbon-based drink with a hint of citrus beautifully complements the honey butter flavors. Non-alcoholic options like iced green tea or a sparkling lemonade are refreshing choices that keep the palate bright.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is how easily it adapts to different preferences. If you want a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch; this change still lets you get that crispiness without compromising taste. For a vegan twist, replacing chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower bites and using plant-based butter works really well to maintain the sauce’s richness.

To play with flavor, I sometimes add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cinnamon to the coating for a warm, smoky twist. You can also swap apple cider vinegar for rice vinegar or lemon juice depending on what you have on hand, each bringing a slightly different zing to the sauce. For cooking methods, I’ve experimented by baking the coated chicken pieces until crispy, then tossing them in the sauce as a lighter alternative to frying.

Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat according to your taste. I enjoy the subtle kick it gives, but you can omit it altogether for a completely mild, family-friendly dish.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has fully cooled before sealing the container to avoid moisture buildup, which can make the coating soggy. Using glass containers with tight lids helps maintain freshness and makes reheating easier.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for later. I recommend freezing the chicken separately from any sides to retain texture. Place the sauced chicken pieces in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet over medium-low heat. Gently warm the chicken pieces and sauce, stirring occasionally, to maintain the sauce’s silky texture and prevent drying out the chicken. Avoid a microwave if possible, as it can make the coating rubbery. If using a microwave, reheat in short bursts and cover loosely to keep moisture in. A quick flash under the broiler at the end can help crisp the coating back up if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked and golden brown. The honey butter sauce complements thighs beautifully.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Both will create a nice crispy coating. Just ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well—tamari is a great alternative.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

I recommend making the sauce fresh to get the best texture and flavor. However, you can mix the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar ahead of time. Just melt the butter and combine everything on the stove right before serving to ensure the sauce is warm and silky.

How spicy is the dish with the cayenne pepper?

The cayenne pepper is used sparingly here to give a gentle warmth that enhances the flavor without overpowering the sweetness. If you prefer a mild dish or are serving kids, you can reduce or omit it. For spice lovers, feel free to increase it a bit.

What sides complement Honey Butter Chicken best?

I love serving this with plain white rice or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For veggies, sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus add great texture and color. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness nicely.

Conclusion

I cannot recommend this Honey Butter Chicken Recipe enough if you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to whip up, and sure to impress. It’s become one of my favorite recipes to turn to when I want that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked just like I was from the very first taste!