Looking for a mouthwatering dinner that hits every flavor note? This Honey Butter Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. It’s crispy, sweet, buttery, and ready in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe delivers big flavor with simple ingredients and easy steps.
From golden, crispy chicken pieces to the glossy, sticky honey butter glaze — this is a homemade chicken dinner recipe the whole family will crave. Keep reading to learn how to make crispy honey butter chicken at home, and don’t forget to check out the pro tips, FAQs, and serving ideas at the end.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crispy & Tender – Crunchy outside, juicy inside.
- Sweet and Savory Sauce – Balanced flavor in every bite.
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners – Minimal ingredients, max flavor.
- Beginner Friendly – Foolproof for new cooks.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Chicken
Chicken & Coating
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions or sesame seeds

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a heavy-bottomed or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and butter. Once hot, place the coated chicken in a single layer. Fry 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — this helps keep the chicken extra crispy!
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
Lower heat to medium-low. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens into a smooth, caramel-like glaze.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return the fried chicken to the skillet. Toss well until every piece is coated with the honey butter sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to soak in the flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot, garnished with green onions. Pair with white rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetable side dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Butter Chicken
- Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the glaze.
- Don’t skip the vinegar: It cuts the sweetness and adds depth.
- Want it extra crispy? Double coat the chicken by dipping in egg, then flour.
- Gluten-free? Use cornstarch or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make ahead: Fry the chicken in advance and glaze just before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Honey Butter Chicken
Looking for the perfect pairing? Here are our favorite sides:
- Ginger Rice – A warm, slightly spicy base.
- Crisp Asparagus Salad
- Green Beans with Garlic Butter
The best way to serve Honey Butter Chicken is over fluffy rice or with buttery mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 503 kcal |
Carbs | 48 g |
Protein | 27 g |
Fat | 24 g |
Saturated Fat | 12 g |
Sugar | 35 g |
Cholesterol | 118 mg |
Sodium | 1225 mg |
Note: Nutrition data is estimated.
Storage & Leftovers
How to Store:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for crispy texture.
- Skillet: Reheat over low heat with a touch of butter and honey to refresh the glaze.
FAQs – Quick Answers for Voice Search
Can I freeze honey butter chicken?
Yes! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Use coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free and soy-free option.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely — they’re juicier and hold flavor well.
Is honey butter chicken spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
How long does honey butter chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored, it lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving this dish, try these next:
Conclusion
Now you know how to make Honey Butter Chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly sweet. Whether it’s for a quick dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will be a hit.
Ready to cook? Pin this page and make the best homemade Honey Butter Chicken tonight!
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Best Honey Butter Chicken Recipe – Crispy & Sweet Chicken
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make the best homemade Honey Butter Chicken with this easy recipe! Crispy, sweet, and savory, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional Garnish: Sliced green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Shake off excess flour.
- Heat a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and butter. Once hot, add chicken in a single layer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens to a smooth, caramel-like consistency.
- Return chicken to skillet, toss until fully coated in the honey butter sauce. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions. Enjoy!
Equipment

2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- For extra crispy chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Make ahead: Fry chicken in advance and toss with the sauce when ready to serve.
- For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-free? Use cornstarch or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 503 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 1225mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 118mg
Keywords: Honey Butter Chicken Recipe, Crispy Honey Butter Chicken, Sweet Savory Chicken, Easy Honey Butter Chicken, Best Honey Butter Chicken, Homemade Honey Butter Chicken