This Easy Honey Butter Chicken is simple and oh-so-good! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a sweet honey butter sauce that makes every bite delightful. Who wouldn’t love that combo?
If you want a tasty dinner without fuss, this dish is great. I love serving it with rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. You might want to keep some extra napkins handy! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result or breasts for a leaner option. If you prefer, tofu or tempeh can be a great substitute for a meatless version.
Honey: This is the star ingredient! If you’re looking for substitutes, maple syrup works, but it will change the flavor a bit. Agave syrup can also be used for a lighter sweetness.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives better control over flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder if that’s what you have on hand. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Is Juicy and Flavored?
To achieve juicy chicken packed with flavor, follow these steps:
- Season well: Don’t skip the salt and pepper before cooking. It enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook in batches if necessary, as this helps the chicken brown evenly.
- Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes. This keeps it juicy!
By using these tips, your chicken will turn out delicious every time! Enjoy the sweet and buttery taste of this dish—it’s sure to be a hit!
How to Make Easy Honey Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Honey Butter Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to serving! Perfect for a quick dinner option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Make sure they are well-coated so they turn out tasty!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked all the way through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds or until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
Next, stir in the honey and soy sauce, mixing everything together well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will create a delicious glaze for the chicken.
5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the honey butter sauce. Make sure each piece is coated evenly. Heat everything together for another 1-2 minutes, just until the chicken is warm and the flavors meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. If you like, garnish your dish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve your Easy Honey Butter Chicken warm with rice or your favorite side dish, and enjoy! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs for a juicier texture or chicken breasts for a leaner option. Both work well in this recipe! If you’re looking for a meatless version, try using cubed tofu.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly. Agave syrup is another alternative that will work well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and honey butter sauce ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge and combine when you’re ready to heat and serve, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
