Name: Sweet Honey Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or avocado oil); For the Sauce: 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ⅓ cup honey; 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

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Introduction

A Comfort Classic with Sticky Sweet Flavor Everyone Will Love

Picture this: you’re home after a long day, craving something warm, sticky, sweet, and totally comforting. Enter Sweet Honey Butter Chicken — a golden, crispy dish glazed in a silky honey-butter-garlic sauce that hits every flavor note. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this recipe is a winner every single time.

The magic of this chicken is in its simplicity. A handful of pantry staples transforms plain chicken into something seriously crave-worthy. It’s perfect for quick weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a little food hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Only a few simple ingredients
✅ Sweet, buttery, and garlicky goodness
✅ Family-approved and picky-eater friendly
✅ Pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies
✅ Great for meal prep or next-day lunches

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
½ teaspoon salt
¼(vegetable or avocado oil)

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup honey (use raw honey for more depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (for balance)

Substitutions & Pro Tips:

🍯 No honey? Maple syrup or agave nectar work too.
🧄 Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch.
🌱 Want heat? Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha.
🧈 Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:
Toss chicken pieces with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken (6–8 minutes):
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce (3–5 minutes):
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and melt, then stir in garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Coat the Chicken:
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sticky honey butter sauce. Cook another 2–3 minutes until everything is bubbly and glazed.
Serve Hot:
Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Variations:

🥓 Add crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
🧅 Toss in caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.
🥬 Stir in spinach or kale for added greens.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
450	28g	32g	24g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
✅ Yes! Cornstarch or rice flour are great alternatives.

❓ Why isn’t my sauce thickening?
❌ You may not have simmered it long enough — give it a couple more minutes over medium heat.

❓ Can I make this in advance?
✅ Absolutely. It stores well and reheats beautifully.

❓ Can I bake instead of pan-fry the chicken?
✅ Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

❓ Can I make this dairy-free?
✅ Use plant-based butter and it still tastes amazing.

Conclusion

This Sweet Honey Butter Chicken is a weeknight favorite for a reason. It’s sticky, sweet, buttery, and comforting — everything you want in a cozy homemade meal. Whether served over rice, noodles, or even tucked into a sandwich, it’s guaranteed to impress.

🍴 Ready to dive in? Try it tonight and tag us @Simple Recipes on Pinterest with your creation!