Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken (Easy & Juicy)

Some dinners just hit different, and this Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken is one of them. It’s the kind of recipe that feels cozy and indulgent, but still comes together fast enough for a busy weeknight.

The chicken turns perfectly juicy while the honey butter sauce melts into something rich, slightly sticky, and deeply flavorful. You get that beautiful balance of sweet and savory in every bite, with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken is the kind of meal that always disappears fast and earns repeat requests.

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INGREDIENTS

Here’s everything you need to make this Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken. Simple ingredients, big flavor.

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (680 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (about 3 g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (about 1 g)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (about 1 g)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 g)
• ⅓ cup honey (80 ml)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons / 6 g)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (15 ml)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (about 1 g)

Optional (for garnish or extra flavor):

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Season the chicken.
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the chicken.
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the honey butter sauce.
   Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and dried thyme to the same skillet. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened and glossy.
4. Coat the chicken.
   Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes, turning the chicken so it’s fully coated in the sweet and savory honey butter sauce.
5. Finish and serve.
   Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Cooking Tips

• Use chicken thighs if you want extra juicy results. They stay tender and soak up the honey butter sauce beautifully.
• Don’t rush the sauce. Let it gently simmer so the flavors blend and thicken naturally.
• Spoon the sauce over the chicken right before serving for that glossy, restaurant-style finish.

Easy Variations

• Spicy Honey Butter Chicken: Add ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Increase the garlic to 3–4 cloves for a bolder savory flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari with the same measurements.
• Lemon Honey Butter Chicken: Swap the apple cider vinegar for fresh lemon juice for a brighter finish.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

SERVING IDEAS

This Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up that incredible sauce.

• Serve it over steamed white rice or jasmine rice to catch every drop of the honey butter glaze.
• Pair it with mashed potatoes or buttery noodles for a cozy, comfort-food dinner.
• Add a fresh side like roasted green beans, broccoli, or a simple garden salad to balance the sweetness.
• For a lighter option, serve the chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Occasion Ideas

• Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but satisfying.
• Great for family dinners since the sweet-savory flavor appeals to everyone.
• Easy to double for casual gatherings or meal prep lunches.

FAQs

Can I store leftover Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts work well, just be careful not to overcook them. Remove them as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C) to keep them juicy.

Is this recipe very sweet?

It’s nicely balanced. The honey adds sweetness, while the soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar bring in savory depth. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the honey slightly and add a splash more soy sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then store them together in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving and spoon extra sauce over the chicken.

Can I freeze honey butter chicken?

Freezing is possible, but the sauce texture may change slightly. If freezing, let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and use within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat it without drying it out?

Reheat over low heat on the stovetop and add a tablespoon or two of water or butter to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken moist.

Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken

Print

Juicy, pan-seared chicken coated in a rich honey butter sauce that’s perfectly sweet, savory, and comforting. An easy dinner that’s full of flavor and ready fast.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (680 g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (about 3 g)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (about 1 g)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (about 1 g)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 g)
• ⅓ cup honey (80 ml)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons / 6 g)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (15 ml)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (about 1 g)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the honey, soy sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and dried thyme. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, turning to coat evenly.
5. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts work just as well.

Adjust sweetness by reducing honey slightly if preferred.

Reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth and glossy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 chicken portion with sauce
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 420

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

This Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, special enough to serve to guests, and packed with that cozy sweet-and-savory flavor everyone loves.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to save it for later and share it on Pinterest so you can find it anytime a craving hits. I’d also love to hear how it turned out for you — leave a comment with your twist, swaps, or favorite sides!

Happy cooking 💛🍯🍗