Looking for a fast, flavorful dinner idea? This honey butter chicken recipe is your answer. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s everything you love about crispy chicken without the hassle of deep frying. Juicy, tender pieces are lightly coated, pan-fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a sweet-savory honey butter sauce that’s irresistibly sticky and garlicky. This dish is a go-to for busy weeknights, delivering gourmet taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, honey butter chicken brings bold flavors and comfort food vibes to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Effortless: From start to finish, it takes only 30 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Shallow-fried instead of deep-fried.
- Irresistibly Delicious: Crispy outside, juicy inside with a sticky honey butter glaze.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with kitchen staples.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal preps, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 800g boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders, cut into chunks
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or canola/vegetable oil for frying)
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 100g unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Shallow Fry: Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches if necessary. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid flipping too soon to allow a crust to form.
- Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce starts to bubble.
- Glaze the Chicken: Add the chicken back to the skillet and stir until it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute so the glaze can adhere well.
- Serve: Serve hot with your choice of sides — rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Helpful Tips
- Use Chicken Thighs: They remain juicy and flavorful even after frying.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid crowding the pan to keep the chicken crispy.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to sit on a wire rack after frying to prevent sogginess.
- Avoid Stirring Too Soon: Let the chicken sear undisturbed to form a perfect crust.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein Swap: Use boneless chicken breasts, shrimp, or tofu.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Soy-Free: Substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake this instead of frying? Definitely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through. While it won’t be as crispy as frying, it still tastes fantastic.
Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely! The sweet glaze is usually a big hit with kids.
What can I serve with honey butter chicken? Steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp slaw work wonderfully.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken? You can, but the texture won’t be the same. Freshly cooked chicken is best for that crispy edge.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Reheating Tip: Reheat in a skillet or oven rather than a microwave to maintain texture.
Conclusion
This honey butter chicken dish is a standout — quick, simple, and bursting with flavor. It delivers the crunch and satisfaction of traditional fried chicken without the greasiness. Give it a try, and it just might become a favorite in your regular meal lineup. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below, share it with friends, and check out more quick and delicious meals on our blog!
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Honey Butter Chicken (30-Minute Recipe!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 5
Description
Honey Butter Chicken is a quick 30-minute recipe made with crispy, pan-fried chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for busy nights and loved by the whole family—no deep frying required!
Ingredients
800g boneless chicken thighs or tenders, cut into chunks
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
3 tbsp olive oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
1/3 cup honey
100g unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp light soy sauce
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Shallow Fry: Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches if necessary. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid flipping too soon to allow a crust to form.
- Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce starts to bubble.
- Glaze the Chicken: Add the chicken back to the skillet and stir until it’s evenly coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another minute so the glaze can adhere well.
- Serve: Serve hot with your choice of sides — rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture.
Let chicken cook undisturbed for best crust.
Avoid overcrowding the pan—fry in batches for perfect crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 639 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 29g