Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe For Dinner Joy

Tender chicken pieces drizzled with a golden honey butter sauce create an irresistible weeknight dinner that promises pure culinary magic.

The crispy honey butter chicken blends sweet and savory flavors into one mouthwatering meal.

Succulent chicken gets coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that crackles with each bite.

Every forkful delivers a delightful crunch that melts into rich, buttery goodness.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager to sample this delectable dish.

Savor every delicious moment of this crowd-pleasing chicken sensation.

Tools You’ll Need to Cook Honey Chicken Easily

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and creating the honey butter sauce, ensuring even heat distribution and perfect browning.
  • Shallow bowl: Perfect for dredging chicken in the flour mixture, coating each piece evenly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, honey, and soy sauce.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and tossing chicken in the honey butter mixture.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping parsley or chives if using as a garnish.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken pieces during cooking.

How to Make Juicy Honey Butter Chicken

  • Coat Chicken

Grab your chicken and dust it with a sprinkle of seasoned flour until every piece looks perfectly dressed and ready to sizzle.

  • Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil and cook your chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown, creating a crispy exterior that locks in all the yummy flavors.

  • Whip Up the Sauce

Melt some butter in the same pan and dance in some minced garlic. Pour in honey, a dash of soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar, stirring until the sauce transforms into a glossy, clingy mixture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Bring It All Together

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece in the liquid gold sauce. Let everything warm up and get friendly for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

  • Serve and Devour

Slide your honey butter chicken onto a plate, maybe sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy. Pair with fluffy rice or crisp veggies, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Sweeten or Balance Honey Chicken Flavor

  • Use a wire rack when dredging chicken to ensure even flour coverage and prevent clumping.
  • Replace wheat flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
  • Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the honey butter sauce for a delicious sweet-and-spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
  • Swap regular butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or olive oil margarine for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.
  • Prepare extra chicken and sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing quick reheating for convenient weeknight meals.

How to Serve This Sweet and Savory Dish

  • Rustic Family Dinner Platter: Arrange the honey butter chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, surrounded by roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots and broccoli for a complete, colorful meal that feels warm and inviting.
  • Weekend Gathering Feast: Slice the chicken and create a shareable spread with small side dishes of extra honey butter sauce, crispy green salad, and warm dinner rolls to encourage interactive dining and conversation.
  • Quick Lunch Solution: Pack the chicken in meal prep containers with quinoa and steamed green beans for a protein-packed lunch that stays delicious and moist when reheated, perfect for busy professionals and students.
  • Asian-Inspired Twist: Garnish the chicken with toasted sesame seeds, thin green onion slices, and serve alongside sticky rice and quick pickled cucumber salad for a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Best Ways to Keep Honey Chicken for Later

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it chilled at 40°F or below for maximum food safety and flavor retention.
  • Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture, ensuring tender and delicious results.
  • Prepare extra chicken batches during cooking, separating portions into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners throughout the week.
  • Seal cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, labeling with date and contents, which can be stored up to 3 months, allowing convenient future meals with minimal preparation effort.

FAQs

  • How do I get a crispy coating on the chicken?

Dredge the chicken in a flour mixture with salt and pepper before frying. This creates a light, crispy exterior that helps seal in the moisture and provides a delicious texture.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of other cuts?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are evenly sized and pounded to a consistent thickness for even cooking.

  • What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are excellent choices. They add a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and richness of the butter.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this honey butter chicken is not spicy. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile with a rich, buttery sauce that’s mild and kid-friendly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Honey Butter Chicken Special

For Coating:
  • Flour: Fine, all-purpose flour ensures a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the sauce.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and aromatic kick to the coating.
For Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Pieces: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy results that absorb the sauce beautifully.
  • Olive Oil: Creates a perfect golden sear while adding a hint of Mediterranean richness to the chicken.
For Sauce:
  • Butter: Delivers a luxurious, velvety base that carries the sauce's complex flavors and creates a glossy finish.
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized coating that clings perfectly to the chicken.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent depth and aromatic warmth that complements the sweet and savory elements.
  • Soy Sauce: Contributes a deep umami flavor and helps balance the honey's sweetness.
  • Vinegar: Cuts through the richness and adds a bright, tangy note to the sauce.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs provide a pop of color and a light, fresh finish to the dish.
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Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Honey butter chicken combines succulent crispy chicken with a sweet and savory glaze that delights taste buds. Korean-inspired flavors create a memorable meal perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (680 grams) chicken thighs or breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup (113 grams) honey
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Coating: Generously dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour, creating a light, even layer that promises a crisp, golden exterior.
  2. Sear Chicken: In a spacious skillet heated with olive oil over medium flame, cook floured chicken until achieving a deep, appetizing brown color and ensuring complete internal doneness.
  3. Create Sauce Base: Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat and melt butter, immediately adding minced garlic to develop a rich, fragrant foundation for the upcoming glaze.
  4. Combine Glaze: Whisk honey, soy sauce, and vinegar into the skillet, transforming the ingredients into a glossy, caramelizing sauce that will beautifully enrobe the chicken.
  5. Finish and Coat: Return cooked chicken to the simmering sauce, gently rotating pieces to ensure complete coverage and allowing flavors to harmonize for a brief moment.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer glazed chicken to a serving platter, cascading any remaining sauce over the top and sprinkling with fresh chopped herbs for a vibrant, aromatic presentation.

Notes

  • Flour Coating Technique: Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping and ensure a light, crispy exterior that doesn’t become heavy or greasy.
  • Temperature Control: Use medium heat consistently to prevent burning the chicken or creating uneven browning, which can compromise the dish’s delicate flavor profile.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly to create a glossy, clingy texture that perfectly coats each chicken piece without becoming too runny.
  • Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities, and use low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt intake without sacrificing flavor depth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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