Craving a dish that’s both sweet and savory, with crispy chicken bites coated in a luscious, sticky glaze? Welcome to COOKWITHKUSHAL! Today, I’m sharing my ultimate Honey Butter Chicken recipe-a 30-minute wonder that’s perfect for weeknights and guaranteed to impress. This dish brings together golden, crunchy chicken and a glossy honey butter sauce with hints of garlic and soy, creating a flavor explosion you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings126.
- Crispy & Juicy: Shallow-fried chicken stays moist inside and crunchy outside16.
- Sweet & Savory: The honey butter sauce is balanced with garlic and soy for depth126.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, noodles, or even stuff into wraps.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 800g (about 1.75 lbs) boneless chicken thighs or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces16
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour16
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt16
- ½ teaspoon black pepper16
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder16
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (optional, for extra flavor)6
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil16
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter6
For the Honey Butter Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey (runny honey blends best)16
- 100g (about 7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, diced16
- 2 cloves garlic, minced1
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy preferred)16
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for balance)26
- Pinch of salt and black pepper, to taste6
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley or spring onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using)16.
- Add chicken pieces and toss until each piece is well coated in the seasoned flour16.
- Shake off excess flour to avoid a soggy coating6.
2. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat16.
- Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan-work in batches if needed16.
- Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, undisturbed, until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through16.
- Remove chicken and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add remaining butter and let it melt16.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant16.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let the mixture bubble and thicken for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally16.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine & Serve
- Return the fried chicken to the pan. Toss well to coat every piece in the sticky honey butter sauce16.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the chicken1.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, spring onions, or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but you can use breasts or tenders if you prefer-just adjust the cooking time146.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches to keep the chicken crispy16.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce until it’s glossy and coats the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water; too thin, simmer a bit longer6.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or use hot honey for some heat45.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed white rice, garlic butter rice, or mashed potatoes4.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal4.
- Leftovers are delicious in wraps, sandwiches, or tossed with noodles4.
Storing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days4.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating4.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or orange juice to loosen the sauce if needed4.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food-crispy, sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is foolproof and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out on COOKWITHKUSHAL!