This Easy Honey Butter Chicken is sweet and juicy, coated in a rich honey butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s perfect for a quick dinner and ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work just as well. You can also try this with tofu or another protein for a meatless version!
Honey: The star of our sauce! If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be a great substitute, but the flavor will change a bit. Some people mix in a bit of brown sugar for added depth.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here, but you could use salted if that’s what’s on hand. Just remember to reduce added salt in the recipe. Margarine or a plant-based butter is a fine option too!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, garlic powder can work. Use about 1/4 teaspoon as a substitute.
How Do I Make the Honey Butter Sauce Just Right?
The honey butter sauce is the heart of this dish, and getting it just right is key. Here are some tips:
- After sautéing the garlic, make sure the heat isn’t too high while adding honey; you want it to meld, not boil.
- Stir the honey and soy sauce until smooth—this helps prevent any clumps.
- Once you add the chicken back in, let it cook in the sauce for a few minutes so it absorbs all that delicious flavor!
Trust me, take your time with this sauce—it’s worth it for that heavenly coating on the chicken!
How to Make Easy Honey Butter Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to delicious finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the chicken while cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not burnt. Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring well to create a smooth sauce. This mixture will be sweet and rich, perfect to coat your chicken.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Now, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the chicken pieces are well coated in that delicious honey butter sauce. Allow it all to cook together for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is nicely combined and heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Feel free to sprinkle some chopped parsley or sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve your Easy Honey Butter Chicken warm with rice, a fresh salad, or some steamed vegetables!
Enjoy your delicious Easy Honey Butter Chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works quite well. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Easy Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. This will keep the flavors intact while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
