20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

Name: 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, diced into 1 inch pieces (2-3 chicken breasts); 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; ⅛ teaspoon pepper; Chopped fresh parsley

Jan 8, 2023 / by Laney Schwartz / 37 Comments(updated Mar 31, 2023)

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★★★★★ from 17 reviews

This easy recipe for Honey Butter Chicken will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell delicious! Tender chicken breast is cooked up in a sweet and buttery homemade sauce that can be on your table in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!

honey butter chicken on a bed of rice served on a pink plate

There are a million and one ways to make chicken taste delicious, but honey butter chicken is a favorite for so many reasons! The combination of honey and butter creates a sweet and creamy sauce that is so easy to make with just a few ingredients.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make! Simply brown the chicken in a skillet and cook until it’s tender and juicy. You’ll then whip up an easy honey butter sauce made with sweet honey and apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist. Pour the sauce over the chicken along with butter and let it soak up the delicious juices.

Watch how easy it is to make

chicken on a bed of rice served on a pink plate

The best part about this chicken is that it takes just 20 minutes to make! This is perfect if you’re short on time and need to get a healthy dinner on the table fast.

Chicken with honey butter sauce pairs well with your favorite side dishes like Oven Roasted Green Beans, creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, or Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad!

What makes this recipe a winner

The honey butter sauce is sweet and flavorful, with the perfect hint of tangy vinegar.
This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
It’s a one-pan meal that is so easy to make, and cleanup is a breeze. (Curious what the best type of pan to use is? Here’s my guide to the best cookware for home cooks!)
The chicken breast is high in protein and pairs well with so many different side dishes.

Ingredients you’ll need

photo of ingredients such as chicken, herbs, garlic and honey

Olive Oil – Used to help create a flavorful brown sear on the outside of the chicken, which also helps keep it tender and juicy on the inside.
Butter – Helps create flavor when searing the chicken, along with adding a rich buttery flavor and smooth texture to the sauce.
Chicken Breast – This high protein meat gets cut into bite-sized pieces, so they cook evenly and soak up the sweet and savory sauce perfectly.
Honey – Adds a natural sweetness to the sauce while making it rich and thick.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds additional sweetness along with a tangy acidic taste that pairs well with the rest of the sauce ingredients.
Garlic Cloves – Minced garlic adds a bold and fresh garlic flavor throughout the chicken.
Salt & Pepper – These classic seasonings work together to balance and enhance the natural flavors in the dish.
Chopped Parsley – Adds a pop of green color and fresh garden taste when added as a garnish.

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken

Prepare the chicken: Remove any excess fat from the chicken breast and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes. Once its hot, add the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter and let it get hot and shiny. Add the chicken breast in one single layer making sure they don’t overlap. Cook chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until it starts to brown.

Assemble the honey butter sauce: While the chicken is cooking, add the honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk until fully combined.

Pour on the sauce: Once mixed, pour the sauce over the top of the chicken, then add the remaining butter. Cook the chicken for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.

Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and plate over a bed of rice. Pour the sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

chicken pieces cooking in a pan — Add diced chicken to a hot skillet

browned chicken pieces in a pan — Add diced chicken to a hot skillet

Recipe Tips

When preparing the chicken breast, ensure the pieces are all cut to roughly the same size. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and soak up the honey butter sauce.
To get a perfect brown sear, make sure the oil and butter are hot before adding the chicken to the pan.
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature.
If you’d like more sauce, simply double the honey butter sauce ingredients and pour over top of the chicken.

up close photo of chicken in a pan covered with sauce with 2 pieces on a spoon

Variations and Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter or additional olive oil.
If you want to add an extra kick of flavor, try adding ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the honey butter mixture. This will help give the dish a deliciously spicy kick!
If you don’t have honey on hand, feel free to use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, regular white or rice vinegar can be used instead though it will make it a tad less sweet.
This recipe can also be made using chicken thighs! The thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so just make sure they reach 165°F internally before serving.

Storing and Freezing

Storing: Once cooled, honey butter chicken can be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: To reheat any leftovers, place in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. You can also place it in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil or butter over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes.
Freezing: Place honey butter chicken in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

honey butter chicken on a bed of rice served on a pink plate with a fork

FAQ

What can I serve with honey butter chicken?

While rice is a great option, you can also serve this delicious chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes, couscous, quinoa, or noodles.

What is honey butter sauce made of?

Honey butter sauce is simply honey, butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and some minced garlic. This simple sauce is made with ingredients you may already have on hand!

What is the best kind of honey to cook with?

When looking for honey to add to cooked dishes, you’ll want to use honey that has a mild flavor. Mild honey varieties like clover honey or orange blossom honey are ideal for cooking. Darker honey varietals, such as buckwheat honey or wildflower honey, can have a stronger and more intense flavor, so they may be better suited for baking and marinades.

More Easy Chicken Dishes

Simple Roast Chicken

Honey Balsamic Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes

Soy Honey Chicken with Broccoli

Citrus Baked Chicken Thighs