Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible, you’ve come to the right place. Meet the Honey Butter Chicken – a delightful blend of golden honey, creamy butter, and perfectly seasoned chicken. This dish is a winner for family dinners, cozy date nights, or even a special occasion. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Chicken
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The sweet and savory combination is a crowd-pleaser.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Pairs well with a variety of sides, making it versatile.
- Leftovers taste amazing, so it’s great for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of flour (Learn more about panko breadcrumbs).
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after browning.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your taste preference for sweetness.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Butter Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Honey Chicken: Replace soy sauce with balsamic vinegar and add fresh rosemary.
- Garlic-Parmesan Honey Chicken: Add grated parmesan cheese to the sauce before baking.
Required Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Shallow dish for dredging
- Whisk
- Oven
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Honey Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Suggested Pairings
Serve your Honey Butter Chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Pro Tips
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) (Learn more about safe cooking temperatures).
- For a glossier sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water before baking (More on cornstarch).
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well and tend to be juicier.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely, prepare and bake the chicken in advance, then reheat before serving.
- Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free? Substitute butter with a vegan alternative or olive oil for a dairy-free version.