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Honey Butter Chicken

Honey Butter Chicken

Honey Butter Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken glazed in a rich honey butter sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. This quick and easy recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, making it ideal for family dinners, busy weeknights, or impressing guests. The mild, delicious flavors are suitable for all ages and can be served over rice, vegetables, or used as a versatile filling for sandwiches and tacos.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional Garnishes & Herbs

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a good sear and helps keep the chicken juicy.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute. Stir in the honey and lemon juice, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and becomes glossy.
  4. Combine and Glaze: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the honey butter sauce over each piece, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs and toasted sesame seeds if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and better texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; give the chicken enough space to brown properly without steaming.
  • Adjust the amount of honey to suit your preferred sweetness level.
  • Add lemon juice gradually to balance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Butter Chicken, sweet and savory chicken, quick chicken recipe, family dinner, easy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken, honey butter sauce