20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

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!

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

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 delicious 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!)

Ingredients you’ll need

• Chicken Breast – You could also use chicken thighs.
• Honey – Makes the sauce thick and sweet.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances out all the flavors.

How to Make Honey Butter Chicken

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.

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 1/4 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.

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