Honey Butter Chicken

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When the craving for comfort food hits, nothing satisfies quite like Honey Butter Chicken. It’s golden, it’s sticky, and it’s got that melt-in-your-mouth richness that only butter and honey can deliver. If you’re already a fan of fried chicken and honey or hunting for the perfect honey butter fried chicken recipe this is your golden ticket.

With crispy pan-seared chicken coated in a glossy garlic-infused honey butter sauce, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken

Quick and easy – From stovetop to table in under 30 minutes.
Flavor-packed – A savory-sweet explosion thanks to garlic, soy, and honey.
Versatile – Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a pile of roasted veggies.
Next-level comfort – Think of it as the grown-up version of fried chicken with honey but elevated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Full quantities listed in the recipe card below)

For the Chicken

Boneless chicken thighs or tenders – Juicy, tender, and perfect for searing.
Flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder – For a light, flavorful crust, Garlic brings rich depth and balances the honey’s sweetness, while a garlic press makes prepping the sauce quick and mess-free.
Olive oil or canola/vegetable oil – For getting that golden, crispy exterior.

For the Honey Butter Sauce

Honey – The sweet base of the sauce.
Unsalted butter – Rich and silky, it coats every bite.
Garlic – Adds depth and balances the sweetness.
Light soy sauce – A splash of umami to round out the flavor.

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How to Make Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly so it sticks well.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until crispy and cooked through. Set aside on a plate while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until it’s fully coated and glossy. Serve immediately while hot and sticky (in the best way).

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 510
Protein: 28g
Fat: 30g
Carbs: 32g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 780mg

Nutrition will vary slightly depending on the exact cut and size of your chicken pieces.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

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Kitchen Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Chicken

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed for an even sear.
Use thighs for extra juiciness. But tenders work great too if you prefer white meat.
Want it spicy? Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
No soy sauce? Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free swap.

How to Serve It

This chicken pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered noodles
Roasted broccoli or a crisp slaw on the side

Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or sesame seeds for an extra pop.

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Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

You can also prep the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to a week just reheat gently before tossing with fresh chicken.

A Sticky-Sweet Story

This recipe was born from a mashup of my two favorite cravings: buttery garlic chicken and sweet sticky honey fried chicken. I wanted the best of both worlds in one skillet, and voilà honey fried chicken magic happened. Now it’s a go-to in our house anytime we want something fast, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.

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FAQ

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, but it won’t get as crispy. Bake the floured chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts?

Totally. Slice them into thinner pieces for quicker cooking.

Is this the same as Korean honey butter chicken?

Not quite! This version is simpler and uses everyday ingredients, but gives a similar sweet-savory fix.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and tamari in place of soy sauce.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. Especially if you’re serving it over rice it’s too good not to spoon over everything.

How do I make it crispy?

Use enough oil and don’t flip the chicken too soon let it sear undisturbed for best browning.

What’s the best honey to use?

Any good quality honey works! Floral or wildflower honeys add a nice complexity.

Can I meal prep this?

Yes! Just store the chicken and sauce separately and toss together before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Chicken is everything you love about fried chicken with honey, elevated with buttery garlic goodness and ready in a flash. Whether you call it honey butter fried chicken, honey fried chicken, or just “OMG-this-is-so-good” chicken get ready for it to become a regular at your dinner table.

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact ingredients and steps this one’s a keeper!