Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Craving a dish that’s crispy, sweet, and savory all at once? This Honey Butter Chicken recipe has it all! With tender chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and tossed in a rich honey butter glaze, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family or guests. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that combines the delicious flavors of honey, butter, and garlic for an irresistible meal that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or vegetables. Read on for the full recipe and tips for perfecting this crowd-pleasing dish.

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What Is Honey Butter Chicken?

Honey Butter Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish made by frying bite-sized chicken pieces until crispy, then tossing them in a sweet and savory honey butter glaze. The combination of butter and honey creates a rich, sticky sauce that clings to the crispy chicken, making every bite an explosion of flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a standout appetizer for a party. It’s the kind of comfort food that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or even thirds!).

Ingredients List for Honey Butter Chicken

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you’ll need for this delicious dish:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup milk (to mix with the egg)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

• ¼ cup butter (half a stick, unsalted)
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (to balance the sweetness)

For Garnishing:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This honey butter chicken recipe is versatile, so feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts, use chicken thighs for a juicier result. You can also use shrimp or tofu as a substitute.
• Flour/ Cornstarch: For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch adds crispiness, but you can also use potato starch for a similar effect.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as an alternative to honey for a slightly different sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Coconut aminos can also work for a soy-free option.
• Spices: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes, or add a touch of sriracha for extra heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to cook Honey Butter Chicken to perfection. With these simple instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

How to Cook Honey Butter Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated on all sides. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate while you heat the oil.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Make the Honey Butter Glaze: In a clean skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice or vinegar. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
5. Toss the Chicken in the Sauce: Once the glaze is ready, return the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the honey butter glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the sauce caramelize and stick to the chicken.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the honey butter chicken from the heat and transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your Honey Butter Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Overcrowding the Pan: If you fry too many chicken pieces at once, they’ll steam instead of fry, and you won’t get that crispy exterior. Fry the chicken in batches to avoid this.
• Not Monitoring Oil Temperature: If the oil is too hot, the chicken will brown too quickly on the outside but remain undercooked inside. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer to keep the oil around 350°F (175°C).
• Overcooking the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, so only sauté it for about a minute before adding the other glaze ingredients.
• Using Salted Butter: If you use salted butter, reduce the amount of soy sauce to avoid the dish becoming overly salty.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas to serve and present your Honey Butter Chicken to make it look and taste even more impressive:

How to Serve Honey Butter Chicken:

• Over Rice: Serve the honey butter chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• With Vegetables: Pair the dish with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a complete meal.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a fun, fresh, and low-carb meal.

Presentation Ideas for Honey Butter Chicken:

• Use a bright, colorful plate or serving dish to highlight the golden, crispy chicken pieces.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of color and texture.
• Add a wedge of lemon or lime on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Honey Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to make sure your Honey Butter Chicken is perfect every time:

• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce to drizzle over rice or vegetables, you can double the honey butter glaze recipe.
• Keep Chicken Crispy: If you want to keep the chicken extra crispy, fry the chicken first and toss it in the sauce right before serving, rather than letting it sit in the glaze for too long.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and then fry the chicken and toss it in the reheated glaze right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! To bake the chicken, coat it as directed and place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken won’t be as crispy as frying, but it’s a healthier option.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer to re-crisp the chicken.

Can I freeze honey butter chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the fried chicken pieces without the sauce. Once they’re cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer, then toss it in the freshly made honey butter glaze.

Is there a dairy-free version?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Conclusion

This Honey Butter Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, sweet, and savory with just the right amount of richness. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Try it today, and get ready for everyone at the table to ask for seconds!

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