Honey Butter Chicken
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors with tender chicken and a luscious honey butter glaze, ideal for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (choose your preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral cooking oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the chicken get a nice sear in the pan. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the honey butter sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side without moving them to get a beautiful golden crust. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Then add the honey and lemon juice, stirring continuously to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the honey butter sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to soak up all the flavors and become extra tender and juicy.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the chicken to serving plates and drizzle with any remaining honey butter sauce from the skillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure a perfect golden crust. Adjust honey amount to taste. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. For a thicker sauce, simmer longer but avoid burning. Add chili flakes for mild heat. Variations include spicy, herb-infused, crunchy coating, gluten-free options, and serving with various sides.