Irresistible Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken recipe delivers an explosion of flavor with sweet honey, savory garlic, and rich butter. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Serve over rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Pour in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add red pepper flakes (if using).
- Whisk everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the honey garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
- Serve immediately over rice, pasta, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey garlic butter sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before cooking. Don't overcook the chicken. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of honey. Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicier kick. Make the honey garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor, adjusting cooking time as needed. Store cooked chicken in sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.