Honey Butter Chicken - The Ultimate Comfort Food for Your Holiday Table
Quick-Answer Summary Line: A sweet and savory chicken dish that's perfect for busy weeknights and holiday feasts.
Format: Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Pan-Seared · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
This quick and easy recipe involves searing chicken thighs to golden perfection, then glazing them with a rich honey butter sauce for a comforting meal.
As the vibrant autumn leaves start to fall here in New York City, I find myself yearning for comforting, hearty meals that bring a sense of warmth, especially as we gear up for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. One dish I've cooked more times than I can count is Honey Butter Chicken. With its perfect blend of sticky sweetness and buttery richness, I can confidently say this recipe will grace my dinner table during the bustling holiday season. Plus, it checks all the boxes for those busy weeknights when I need something quick yet utterly delectable.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
This Honey Butter Chicken recipe not only delivers on flavor but also brings the warmth of the season into your kitchen. It's the perfect addition to any holiday meal, ensuring that comfort food becomes a highlight of your gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for busy weeknights with a quick prep and cook time.
- Combines sticky sweetness and buttery richness for an irresistible flavor.
- A family favorite that brings warmth and comfort, especially during the holidays.
- Versatile enough to serve with rice, vegetables, or on its own.
- Leftovers taste great and make for an easy meal later in the week.
Ingredients
This Honey Butter Chicken requires simple yet delightful ingredients that create a mouthwatering dish.
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked for a touch of depth)
Butter and Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, divided
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken (Step-by-Step)
This step-by-step guide will help you create the perfect Honey Butter Chicken that everyone will adore.
Step 1: Prep your chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color we're looking for.
Step 2: Season the flour
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This creates a fragrant coating that will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Dredge the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, ensuring every piece is well-coated. I like to shake off the excess, allowing just the right amount of coating to stick.
Step 4: Heat it up
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it's foamy and hot.
Step 5: Cook the chicken
Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly. Let them sear undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes, giving them a lovely golden crust before flipping to cook the other side.
Step 6: Add the sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, pour in the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and the rest of the butter. Stir everything together until the chicken is coated and the sauce becomes a glossy, sticky glaze.
Step 7: Simmer
Let it bubble for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey sauce to thicken slightly. Check for doneness by slicing through one of the pieces; they should be juicy and tender.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. I love serving this dish with fluffy white rice or roasted vegetables to soak up all that lovely sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the dredging step: A thorough coating is essential for that crispy exterior. Don't skip the flour!
- Crowding the pan: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary for even browning.
- Burning the garlic: Always add minced garlic towards the end of cooking - it can burn quickly and turn bitter if added too soon.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use high-quality honey: This makes a world of difference in flavor. Local or raw honey adds a lovely depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or a dash of lemon zest for brightness.
- Make it a one-pan meal: Toss in some chopped broccoli or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete, colorful dish.
Variations
- Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Use maple syrup as a substitute for honey for a different flavor profile.
- Try using a different type of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for acidity.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist to the sauce.
How to Serve
- Serve with fluffy white rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the lovely sauce.
- Pair with a side salad for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
- Serve over quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.
- For a simple side, enjoy with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
Serve with my See also: Simple Garlic Roasted Green Beans.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, refrigerate, and combine when ready to cook.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
During my culinary adventures with this recipe, I discovered just how important it is to let the chicken sear undisturbed. That perfect golden crust isn't just about looks; it seals in the juiciness in an incredible way. Also, the honey butter sauce truly captures the essence of comfort food, making it a wonderful addition to any holiday table.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 plate
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~400 calories · 22g protein · 30g carbs · 25g fat
Delicious Honey Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet A 12-inch non-stick pan works great.
Ingredients
Group: Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. paprika smoked for depth
- ½ cup unsalted butter divided
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Toss chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until well-coated.
- In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer, sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken to cook the other side until golden.
- Pour in honey, garlic, soy sauce, and remaining butter. Stir to coat chicken.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with rice or vegetables.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may be less juicy than thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts tend to cook faster.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider including a pinch of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix or drizzling some hot sauce into the honey butter sauce during cooking.
What sides pair well with Honey Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
