Description
Honey Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that instantly wins hearts. Crispy, golden chicken bites are coated in a glossy honey butter sauce that’s rich, slightly tangy, subtly savory, and deeply comforting. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with just enough warmth from spices to keep every bite interesting.
Ingredients
Chicken
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces ensures quick cooking and maximum surface area for crisping and sauce coverage.
Chicken Coating
¼ cup flour – creates a light crust
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper – gentle heat
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
This simple seasoned flour adds flavor and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
For Cooking
1 tbsp unsalted butter – flavor
1 tbsp canola oil – prevents butter from burning
Using oil with butter gives you the best of both worlds: flavor and stability.
Honey Butter Sauce
5 tbsp butter, room temperature
½ cup honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp ground black pepper
This sauce is the heart of the dish—sweet, glossy, and deeply comforting.
For Garnish
Green onions, sliced
They add freshness, color, and a mild onion bite that balances the sweetness.
Instructions
1. Coat the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine:
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Flour
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Garlic powder
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Cayenne pepper
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Onion powder
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Salt
-
Black pepper
Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated.
Tip: Shake off excess flour before frying—this keeps the crust light and prevents gumminess.
2. Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat butter and oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Why this matters: Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of browning.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet and let it melt gently.
Stir in:
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Apple cider vinegar
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Salt
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Black pepper
Continue stirring over low heat until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy, with a caramel-like consistency.
4. Coat the Chicken
Add the fried chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until every piece is fully coated in sauce.
Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to absorb and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Serve
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately.