why make this recipe
Honey Butter Chicken is quick and sweet. It uses few ingredients and cooks in one pan. The sauce is warm, buttery, and not too strong. Serve it with simple sides like rice or buttered noodles for an easy meal.
introduction
This recipe makes tender chicken with a shiny honey butter sauce. You can use thighs or breasts. The steps are simple and the sauce cooks fast. The dish works for a weeknight dinner or a small get-together.
how to make Honey Butter Chicken
You cook the chicken in butter, add garlic, then stir in honey and spices. Let the chicken cook in the sauce until done. Turn the pieces so the sauce coats them well. Finish with green onions for color and mild onion flavor.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions :
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the honey, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and coated in the honey butter sauce, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy!
how to serve Honey Butter Chicken
Serve hot from the skillet. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. It goes well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad. For a pasta option, try the cowboy butter chicken linguine as a side or main pairing.
how to store Honey Butter Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat so the sauce does not burn. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Honey Butter Chicken
- Pound thicker pieces so they cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: 165°F (74°C) is done for chicken.
- Do not burn the garlic; cook it just until it smells good.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
- For more ideas on butter sauces, read these butter chicken linguine tips.
variation (if any)
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use soy sauce in place of some salt for a deeper flavor.
- Try brown sugar instead of some honey for a richer sauce.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw it fully before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Q: Can I use less honey?
A: Yes. Use half the honey and taste. Add more if you want sweeter sauce.
Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. It is mild and sweet. Skip red pepper if you add heat.
Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: You can. Brown the chicken on the stove, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until done, basting with sauce.
Conclusion
For a crispy honey-butter fried idea and more inspiration, visit Honey Butter Fried Chicken for different textures and techniques. For another home-style version of this sauce and method, see this Honey Butter Chicken recipe.
Honey Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts Use either thighs or breasts based on preference.
- 1/2 cup honey Can adjust amount for sweetness preference.
- 1/4 cup butter Unsalted butter is preferred.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
- 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- to taste chopped green onions for garnish Adds color and mild flavor.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the honey, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and coated in the honey butter sauce, about 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy!
