Honey Butter Chicken

Name: Honey Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into pieces); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola); ⅓ cup honey; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)

Honey Butter Chicken is one of those skillet dinners that tastes like you spent hours when really, it’s just 20 minutes, a handful of ingredients, and one pan. Juicy chicken bites tossed in a glossy, garlicky honey butter sauce? Oh, honey, this one hits that sweet and savory note just right.

A plate with white rice in a small bowl and pieces of cooked chicken garnished with green onions, accompanied by chopsticks.

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Not only is this recipe ridiculously easy, but it’s also budget-friendly. It’s a great way to satisfy your takeout cravings without leaving the house.

If you are looking for more delicious chicken recipes that your whole family will enjoy, check out this Instant Pot Orange Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken on a Stick, or even this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice.

Ingredients

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Metal mixing bowl with diced chicken pieces coated in a layer of white flour, with a spoon partially visible on the right side.

In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cornstarch and mix until evenly coated.

A clear glass dish filled with cooked, seasoned chicken breast pieces sits on a white surface near a black pan.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Minced garlic is sautéing in melted butter in a black cast iron skillet, stirred with a wooden spatula.

Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Cubed pieces of chicken breast cooking in a black cast iron skillet, being stirred with a wooden spatula.

Return chicken to the skillet and toss in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to soak up all that flavor.

Storage

Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop—just until hot, not dry.
Make‑Ahead: You can prep and season chicken ahead, keeping sauce separate—just cook fresh when dinner time rolls around.

A plate of glazed, seasoned chicken pieces garnished with chopped green onions, served with a bowl of white rice in the background.

Wendys Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Too many pieces means steaming not searing.
Let that sauce reduce. Simmer until slightly thick, not watery, so it clings to the chicken.
Use fresh garlic. It gives such a brighter flavor than jarred stuff, totally worth the extra minute of time.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What can I serve with honey butter chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with white rice, fried rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. A side salad or steamed broccoli also makes a great lighter option.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Definitely. If you want a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer for an extra 1–2 minutes before adding the chicken back. You can also whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water if you like it extra glossy.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes, just add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your sauce for some heat.