Name: Skillet Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) — 4 pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (plus extra for seasoning as needed); ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, or 1 teaspoon if preferred); ¼ cup chicken broth (only in original version)—optional; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

A flavorful one-pan skillet dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, buttery honey-garlic sauce with a hint of smoked paprika—naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare. Skillet Honey Garlic Butter Chicken

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and satisfying this skillet honey garlic butter chicken is. It’s the kind of dinner I can pull together in 20 minutes with just one pan, and the reward is incredible flavor. The chicken turns out juicy and golden, while the sauce hits the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery richness with a gentle kick of paprika. It’s also easy to adapt based on what I have on hand—whether that’s thighs instead of breasts or adding veggies to the skillet for a full meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free without needing any special ingredients.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) — 4 pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder (plus extra for seasoning as needed)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, or 1 teaspoon if preferred)
¼ cup chicken broth (only in original version)—optional
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

I start by patting the chicken dry, then seasoning both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if I’m using it.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (around 165 °F or 75 °C inside). Then I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I melt the butter over medium-low heat and stir in honey, garlic powder, a little more salt and pepper, and smoked paprika if using. I let this cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s well combined and warm.
I return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. I let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors really come together.
Finally, I garnish with parsley and serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and comes together in just 20 minutes total:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

When I want a little heat, I add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
For a tangier twist, I swap the honey for fresh lemon juice—it transforms it into a bright lemon butter chicken.
If I’m craving something creamier, I stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end.
Sometimes I switch to chicken thighs for an extra juicy result or throw in veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it a complete one-pan meal.
I also like baking it instead—375 °F for 20–25 minutes, then spoon the sauce over just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
To reheat, I use a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep the sauce smooth, or microwave it in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
If I’m using frozen leftovers, I thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What can I use instead of honey in this recipe?

I like using maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute for honey—they both bring a sweet note that works well with the buttery garlic sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I just swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. The flavor changes slightly, but it still tastes delicious.

Can I bake the chicken instead of using the skillet?

Definitely. I preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and bake the seasoned chicken for 20–25 minutes. Then I pour the sauce over the top before serving.

What veggies go well with this dish?

I often toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. They soak up the sauce beautifully and turn it into a full meal.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature hits 165 °F (75 °C) using a meat thermometer. The outside should be golden and the juices should run clear.

Conclusion

This skillet honey garlic butter chicken has become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting, fast, and full of flavor. It’s flexible enough to adapt, comes together with simple ingredients, and makes the kitchen smell amazing. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just a quick weeknight dinner, it always hits the spot.