This Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dish featuring tender, golden chicken bites coated in a glossy honey butter garlic sauce. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet flavorful enough for a special dinner. The combination of buttery richness, sweet honey, and savory soy creates a balance that makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 25 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners.
The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors.
Crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, buttery glaze.
Simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
500 g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup plain flour
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
Honey Butter Sauce
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ tablespoon lemon juice (juice of half a lemon)
½ tablespoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
Directions
Season chicken cubes with salt and black pepper, mixing well.
Coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large frying pan over high heat. Add half the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and repeat with remaining chicken.
Wipe the pan clean to remove any burnt flour bits.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce begins to bubble.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and glazed.
Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
Servings and timing
Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Substitute tamari for soy sauce and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions for garnish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water, or microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can alter the sauce texture.
FAQs
1. What can I serve with Honey Butter Chicken?
Serve it with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s mild and sweet. Add chili flakes or a bit of sriracha if you prefer heat.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour for coating and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce separately, but combine and cook them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
6. What if my sauce becomes too thick?
Add a tablespoon of water or chicken stock and stir to loosen it up.
7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Cut one piece in half; it should be opaque all the way through with no pink center.
8. Can I bake instead of pan-fry the chicken?
Yes, bake the floured chicken pieces at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–18 minutes, then toss them in the sauce on the stovetop.
9. Can I reduce the sweetness?
Simply use 1 tablespoon of honey instead of 2, or add a bit more lemon juice to balance the flavor.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Chicken is the perfect quick and satisfying meal when you crave something rich, flavorful, and comforting. With its golden seared chicken and glossy, garlicky honey butter glaze, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner any night of the week.
A quick and flavorful dish of golden chicken bites glazed in a sweet, buttery honey garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
500 g (1 lb) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup plain flour
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
Honey Butter Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ tablespoon lemon juice (juice of half a lemon)
½ tablespoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Season chicken cubes with salt and black pepper, mixing well.
Coat the chicken pieces in flour, shaking off any excess.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large frying pan over high heat. Add half the chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and repeat with remaining chicken.
Wipe the pan clean to remove any burnt flour bits.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce begins to bubble.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and glazed.
Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
Notes
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Substitute tamari for soy sauce and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete one-pan meal.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions for garnish.
