Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves is a simple, delicious dinner that combines crispy chicken with a rich honey butter glaze. This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and an irresistible glossy sauce. It’s quick to make, beginner-friendly, and packed with pantry staples. Pair it with my Creamy Chicken Salad Wrap for a complete meal your family will adore.
Why You'll Love Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves - Easy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves—an easy, homemade recipe perfect for quick, family-friendly weeknights.
- Effortless recipe using simple, pantry staples for quick weeknight meals.
- Perfect balance of sweet honey and rich butter with savory seasonings.
- Crispy on the outside with juicy, tender chicken inside.
- Family-friendly comfort food everyone will request again and again.
Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves - Easy Weeknight Dinner
Chicken: Thighs offer juicier results; breasts can be used but monitor cooking time to avoid dryness.Honey: Use raw or any mild-flavored honey for best sweetness; maple syrup is a good substitute.
- Chicken: Thighs offer juicier results; breasts can be used but monitor cooking time to avoid dryness.
- Honey: Use raw or any mild-flavored honey for best sweetness; maple syrup is a good substitute.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves - Easy Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves - Easy Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the honey butter sauce: Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and apple cider vinegar; mix well.
Expert Tips for Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves - Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve crispy skin texture.
- Adjust honey amount for sweeter or less sweet glaze based on preference.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches if needed for even browning.
Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves - Easy Weeknight Dinner
Discover the Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves—an easy, homemade recipe perfect for quick, family-friendly weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for a mild kick)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Optional Toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
How to Make Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves
- Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the honey butter sauce: Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and apple cider vinegar; mix well.
- Combine and glaze: Return chicken to the pan, turning to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and optional sesame seeds. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Everyone Loves - Easy Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and keep refrigerated. Cook and store chicken separately. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as natural sweet alternatives to honey.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze separately for longer storage.
Dry chicken usually means it was overcooked; use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temp. To avoid soggy chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan and cook over medium-high heat for a crispy exterior.
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