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To make Honey Butter Chicken, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup buttermilk - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish tasty. The chicken breast gives a great base. Honey adds sweetness while butter makes it rich. Flour helps create a crispy coating. Garlic powder and paprika bring flavor. Salt and black pepper add seasoning. Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken. Vegetable oil is for frying. Finally, parsley adds a fresh touch. You can find most of these ingredients in your kitchen or local store. This list is a guide to help you create a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating in Buttermilk Start by pouring 1/4 cup of buttermilk into a bowl. Take your chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces, and dip them into the buttermilk. Let them soak for a few minutes. This adds moisture and flavor to the chicken. Coating in Flour Mixture In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. After the chicken has marinated, take it out and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well covered. Heating the Skillet Now, grab a large skillet and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking. Frying the Chicken Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet. Cook them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and make sure they are cooked all the way through. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Melting Butter In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium-low. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and let it melt. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Combining with Honey Once the butter melts, stir in 1/4 cup of honey. Mix well until the two combine. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes. Stir continuously to keep it from burning. Tossing Chicken in Sauce Now, add your fried chicken back to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the honey butter sauce to coat every piece evenly. Cook for an extra minute to warm everything through. Enjoy the sweet and savory aroma! - Avoiding Overcrowding When you cook your chicken, give each piece space. If you add too many pieces at once, they steam instead of fry. Fry the chicken in batches if your skillet is small. - Testing Doneness To check if the chicken is cooked, cut a piece in half. It should be white inside, with no pink. You can also use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F. - Adjusting Sweetness If you like it sweeter, add more honey. Start with a teaspoon at a time. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. - Adding Spices Spice it up! Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat. A pinch of cinnamon can add warmth, too. Experiment to find your favorite mix. - Garnishing with Fresh Parsley Chopped fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. Sprinkle it on just before serving. It makes your dish look fresh and inviting. - Serving Suggestions Serve honey butter chicken over rice or with warm bread. This helps soak up the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with a crisp salad for a complete meal. Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the chicken pieces sit in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before coating. This will enhance the tenderness and flavor of the chicken. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly chopped parsley and high-quality honey for a more vibrant flavor in your honey butter sauce. Control the Heat: Be cautious with the heat when melting the butter and honey. Keep it on medium-low to prevent burning and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the chicken right after coating it with the honey butter sauce to enjoy its crispy texture. {{image_2}} To add heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper into the flour mix. Start with half a teaspoon. Taste the chicken after cooking. You can always add more heat. If you want a different kick, try using hot sauce. A dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce works great. Baking is a healthy option. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for golden brown color. You may want to increase honey and butter for more sauce. Serving this chicken over rice makes it a meal. Use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. Top with fresh veggies like bell peppers or green onions. You can also add sliced avocado or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor. This creates a balanced and filling dish. Best Storage Practices Place your leftover honey butter chicken in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can also use plastic wrap or a zip-top bag if needed. Shelf Life In the fridge, your honey butter chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days. After that, it may lose its taste and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. How to Freeze To freeze your honey butter chicken, let it cool completely. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Thawing Suggestions Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just make sure to heat it gently to avoid cooking it again. Methods for Reheating You can reheat honey butter chicken in the microwave or on the stove. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. For the stove, warm it over low heat. Maintaining Crispy Texture To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in a skillet. Use a little oil to help it crisp up. Avoid covering the pan, as this can create steam and make the chicken soggy. Enjoy your honey butter chicken just like it was fresh! You can use plain yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar. Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely first. This helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to coat in the buttermilk and flour. To thicken the honey butter sauce, cook it longer on low heat. This allows some liquid to evaporate. You can also add a bit of flour mixed with water for extra thickness. Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat and combine. The flavors will still be great! Great sides include mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad also pairs well. These sides balance the sweetness of the chicken nicely. You have learned how to make delicious honey butter chicken. We covered the ingredients, prep steps, cooking methods, and helpful tips. Plus, we explored different ways to enjoy this dish. Remember to store leftovers properly and try the variations for extra fun. With these steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal your family will love. Now, go ahead and make this tasty dish!

Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken

A delicious combination of sweet honey and savory butter coating crispy chicken pieces.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, dip the chicken pieces into buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat them in the flour mixture.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the honey until well combined. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
  • Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the honey butter sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute to warm everything through.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword butter, chicken, honey, savory, sweet