This Easy Honey Butter Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for dinner. Juicy chicken pieces are cooked in a rich honey butter sauce, bringing joy to your taste buds!
The best part? It’s super quick to make, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for hours. I love serving it with rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum! 🐔🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work best. Thighs stay juicier, but use what you have on hand. You could even use chicken tenders if you want smaller pieces.
Honey: The hero of this dish! If you’re out of honey, maple syrup can be a good substitute, though it will change the flavor a bit. Agave nectar is another option; it’s lighter in taste but still sweet.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred since it lets you control the saltiness of the dish. If you want to reduce dairy or use a healthier option, try coconut oil or vegan butter instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives great flavor. If you don’t have any, garlic powder can work, but use less since it’s concentrated.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with even thickness. If your chicken pieces are very thick, consider butterflying them for quicker cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer! The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices, making it even more tender and flavorful.
By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you’ll create a delicious Honey Butter Chicken that shines on any dinner table!
Easy Honey Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Time Needed:
This Easy Honey Butter Chicken takes about 10 minutes for prep work and around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes to get this delicious dish on the table—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs on both sides with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot but not smoking before you add the chicken.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking until it becomes golden brown on both sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes per side depending on the thickness. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma—be careful not to burn it!
5. Mix in Honey and Soy Sauce:
Stir in the honey and soy sauce if you choose to use it. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, which will take about 1-2 minutes.
6. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning it in the honey butter sauce to coat it evenly. This is where the magic happens!
7. Let It Meld:
Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes, so the flavors can meld together nicely.
8. Garnish & Serve:
Before serving, garnish your delicious Honey Butter Chicken with chopped parsley or chives for a lovely touch. Enjoy hot with rice, steamed vegetables, or whatever your heart desires!
Now, dig in and enjoy your simple yet scrumptious Honey Butter Chicken dinner!
FAQ for Easy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless breasts or thighs are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use chicken tenders or even bone-in pieces. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for bone-in pieces to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe using tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Press and cube the tofu, then cook it in the same way, ensuring it’s golden brown on all sides before adding it to the honey butter sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make the Honey Butter Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, simply reheat it in a skillet before adding your cooked chicken.
