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This honey butter chicken transforms ordinary chicken breast into a caramelized, sweet-and-savory masterpiece that has become my go-to recipe when I need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic happens when honey meets butter, creating a glossy sauce that coats each morsel of chicken perfectly while still keeping that coveted crispy exterior.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something quick yet special for an impromptu dinner with friends. Everyone asked for seconds and the recipe before they left, and it has been in my regular rotation ever since.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: creates the perfect crispy coating on the chicken pieces
- Garlic powder and onion powder: provide depth without the work of fresh aromatics
- Cayenne pepper: adds a gentle heat that balances the sweetness beautifully
- Chicken breasts: cut into 1 inch pieces cook quickly and evenly
- Butter: is the heart of this dish giving richness and creating the velvety sauce
- Honey: provides natural sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelization
- Soy sauce: adds umami depth and balances the sweetness with saltiness
- Apple cider vinegar: brings a subtle tang that cuts through the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the coating:
- Mix flour with all seasonings in a large bowl until well combined. Toss chicken pieces in this mixture ensuring each piece is fully coated. The seasoned flour creates a protective layer that seals in moisture while creating a crispy exterior.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat butter and oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat until the butter stops foaming. Add chicken pieces in a single layer with space between each piece. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. The combination of butter and oil prevents burning while adding flavor.
- Create the honey butter sauce:
- Reduce heat to low and add remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted stir in honey soy sauce apple cider vinegar salt and pepper. Continue stirring gently as the mixture bubbles and thickens to a caramel like consistency. This takes about 3 minutes of constant attention.
- Coat the chicken:
- Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Turn off the heat and allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the chicken to absorb more flavor while remaining juicy.
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The secret to this dish is definitely in the honey butter sauce. The first time I made it I was amazed at how something so simple could create such complex flavors. My daughter now requests this "sticky chicken" almost weekly and has even learned to help make the sauce herself.
Storage and Reheating
This honey butter chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens considerably when chilled but loosens when reheated. To reheat simply microwave in 30 second intervals until warmed through or gently reheat in a skillet over medium low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce.
Perfect Pairings
While white rice is the classic accompaniment for soaking up all that luscious sauce try serving this chicken over cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. For vegetables steamed broccoli or sugar snap peas provide a fresh crunchy contrast to the sweet tender chicken. For a complete Asian inspired meal consider adding a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.
Scaling and Variations
This recipe doubles beautifully for larger gatherings without any adjustments to cooking time. For a spicier version double the cayenne pepper or add a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce. Replace the chicken with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian option using the same coating and sauce technique. The honey butter sauce also works wonderfully with shrimp which will cook even faster than the chicken pieces.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and often provide more moisture and flavor. Cut them into similar 1-inch pieces and follow the same cooking instructions. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take 1-2 minutes longer to cook through.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Also, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos which are gluten-free alternatives that provide similar flavor.
- → What can I serve with Honey Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For vegetables, sautéed green beans are suggested, but steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad would also complement it well. For a complete meal, consider adding garlic bread or dinner rolls.
- → Can I make the honey butter sauce less sweet?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing the honey to 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup. You might also increase the soy sauce or apple cider vinegar slightly (an extra teaspoon of either) to balance the flavors with more savory or tangy notes.
- → How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5 minutes. Microwave reheating works too, but the stovetop method better preserves the texture.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon or add red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a different spicy flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of sriracha or a tablespoon of gochujang to the honey butter sauce.