A Taste of Golden Sunshine: Making Honey Butter Chicken at Home
Does the sound of a sizzling pan ever take you back to a specific moment in time? For me, the smell of melting butter and sweet honey always carries me back to my grandmother’s sun-drenched kitchen in Texas. While she was the queen of the smoker, she had this secret way of making a honey butter glazed chicken that felt like a warm hug on a plate. I remember sitting at the wooden table with my sister, swinging our legs, waiting for that golden, sticky perfection. Now that I am the one behind the stove at MisterRecipes.com, I find myself making this Honey Butter Chicken for my own family. My wife, Emily, always says it is the one meal that guarantees a quiet dinner table because everyone is too busy enjoying every bite. Even my son Adams, who is twelve and starting to get quite picky, and little Jana, who is nine, agree that this is the ultimate easy honey butter chicken dinner. Grab your apron! We are about to turn a few simple ingredients into a meal that defines home. Cooking isn’t just about food; it is about making people happy, and this dish does exactly that.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken
- Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken
- How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Honey Butter Chicken Serving Suggestions
- Honey Butter Chicken Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Honey Butter Chicken
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken
There are a thousand ways to cook poultry, but this honey butter chicken recipe with photos stands out because it balances three distinct flavor profiles: sweet, salty, and savory. If you have ever enjoyed the richness of a homemade butter chicken but wanted something with a crispier, western twist, this is for you. First and foremost, it is incredibly fast. On those Tuesday nights when Adams has soccer practice and Jana has dance, I need a chicken dinner recipe that takes less than thirty minutes. This recipe hits that mark perfectly.
- Kid Approved: The natural sweetness of the honey makes this a total winner for children. Jana calls it her golden chicken.
- Pantry Staples: You likely already have the butter, honey, and soy sauce in your cupboard right now.
- Versatile: It works just as well as a honey butter chicken breast recipe as it does with juicy thighs.
- Textural Heaven: The cornstarch coating creates a light, crispy crust that holds onto the honey butter sauce without getting soggy.
Many traditional recipes use heavy batters, but our version keeps things light. By focusing on a high-quality honey butter sauce recipe, we ensure the meat stays juicy while the exterior remains vibrant. This is also a fantastic alternative for those who like honey mustard chicken but want something a bit more decadent and buttery. It’s the kind of meal that makes a humble Tuesday feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken
To create the best chicken with honey butter, quality matters. Here is what you will need to gather from your fridge and pantry:
- Chicken Breast: Two large breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes. You can also use thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Honey: Use a high-quality clover or wildflower honey for the best honey butter glazed chicken.
- Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the sodium levels yourself.
- Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced is non-negotiable here for that aromatic depth.
- Soy Sauce: This provides the salty backbone that keeps the honey from being too cloying.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to that light, crispy exterior.
- Sesame Oil: Just a touch adds a nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
- Chili Flakes: Completely optional, but a pinch adds a lovely heat.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the end cuts through the richness of the butter.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! The first step in learning how to make honey butter chicken at home is preparation. I like to have my kids help with the dry ingredients. Adams is getting quite good at tossing the chicken in the coating without making a mess.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice your chicken breast into even one-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This is vital. If the chicken is wet, the cornstarch will become a paste rather than a crisp coating. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- The Coating: Place the chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over it. Toss until every piece is white and powdery. This creates a barrier that keeps the juices inside.
- The Sizzle: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan! If you put too much in at once, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Aromatic Base: Push the chicken to the sides of the pan and drop in a knob of butter. Add your minced garlic and ginger. The smell at this stage is incredible. It fills the whole house.
- Glaze Magic: Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir everything together. You will see the sauce start to bubble and thicken into a beautiful honey butter sauce.
- Toss and Coat: Bring the chicken back into the center and toss it through the bubbling glaze. Every piece should be shimmering and sticky. If you like a bit of a kick, like I do, sprinkle in those chili flakes now.
- Finish: Garnish with sesame oil and green onions. I often serve this as honey butter chicken with rice to soak up every drop of that liquid gold.
Pro Tips & Variations
While the classic version is a staple in the Sharif household, I know many of you have specific dietary needs. For a gluten free honey butter chicken, simply ensure your soy sauce is replaced with tamari or coconut aminos. The cornstarch is naturally gluten free, so you are already halfway there!
If you are looking for a keto honey butter chicken, you can swap the honey for a sugar-free maple syrup or a keto-friendly honey substitute. Replace the cornstarch with almond flour or just sear the chicken plain. It won’t have the same crunch, but the flavor of the honey butter sauce will still be divine. For a more adventurous meal, try adding some heat to create a hot honey feta chicken variation.
One of my favorite pro-tips is to use a cast-iron skillet. The way it retains heat helps the honey caramelize onto the meat, creating those little crispy burnt edges that everyone fights over. Also, if you find the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. If you are a fan of simpler garlic flavors, check out my recipe for garlic butter baked chicken breast for another easy weeknight win.
Honey Butter Chicken Serving Suggestions
Choosing what to serve with your easy honey butter chicken is half the fun. Since the sauce is so rich and sweet, I usually pair it with something neutral or slightly acidic. A big bowl of fluffy jasmine rice is the classic choice. The rice acts like a sponge for the honey glazed chicken drippings.
For vegetables, I highly recommend steamed broccoli or a quick snap pea stir-fry. The crunch of the greens provides a nice contrast to the tender chicken. If you want a more “meat and potatoes” vibe, this chicken goes surprisingly well with a side of creamy mash and roasted carrots. The sweetness of the carrots complements the honey perfectly.
If you are looking for a lighter option, serve the chicken over a bed of fresh greens or inside lettuce wraps. Jana loves making little “chicken boats” with butter lettuce leaves. It makes dinner interactive and fun! You can find more inspiration in the recipes at Don’t Go Bacon My Heart, where they explore similar comfort food pairings.
Honey Butter Chicken Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers, you are in luck. This honey butter chicken actually holds its flavor quite well the next day. Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. I don’t recommend freezing this once it is coated in sauce, as the texture of the breading can become grainy when thawed.
To reheat, avoid the microwave if possible. It will make the chicken rubbery. Instead, place the chicken back in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water. Cover it with a lid for two minutes to let the steam penetrate the meat, then remove the lid to let the sauce thicken up again. This keeps the honey butter glazed chicken almost as good as the moment it left the pan.
FAQ about Honey Butter Chicken
Is honey butter chicken the same as honey glazed chicken?
While they are similar, honey butter chicken includes a significant amount of butter which creates a creamier, more emulsified sauce compared to a standard honey glaze which is often just honey and soy sauce.
Can I make this as a honey butter chicken slow cooker meal?
Yes! While you will lose the crispy exterior, you can place the chicken and sauce ingredients in a slow cooker for 4 hours on low for a very tender, shredded honey butter chicken for kids to enjoy over mashed potatoes.
What is the best honey to use?
I always recommend a local, raw honey if you can find it. It has a deeper flavor than the generic bear-shaped bottles and really shines in a honey butter sauce recipe.
Final Thoughts
At the end of a long day, there is something profoundly grounding about standing over a warm stove, stirring a pan of Honey Butter Chicken. It is a reminder that even when life feels chaotic, we can create something sweet and consistent for the people we love. Whether you are cooking for a house full of energetic kids like mine or enjoying a quiet dinner for two, I hope this recipe brings a bit of Texas sunshine to your table. If you enjoyed this journey, please save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again! I would also love to hear how it turned out; leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite kitchen memories. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more stories and recipes from the Sharif kitchen. Happy cooking!
Honey Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the chicken breasts into even one-inch cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over it. Toss until every piece is white and powdery.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Push the chicken to the sides of the pan and drop in a knob of butter. Add your minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken.
- Bring the chicken back into the center and toss it through the bubbling glaze. Every piece should be shimmering and sticky. If you like a bit of a kick, sprinkle in the chili flakes now.
- Garnish with sesame oil and green onions. Serve with jasmine rice or your favorite side dish.
