Name: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5-8 oz. each); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup flour; 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional); Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Looking for dinner that's quick, comforting, and packed with flavor? This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe hits all the right notes with a rich buttery sauce, sweet honey, and savory garlic that will make your taste buds sing. Stick around, and I'll show you how to nail this delicious dish at home.

honey garlic chicken - Several pieces of cooked chicken fillets are in a pan, covered by a shiny brown sauce that looks thick and smooth. The chicken is golden brown and tender with small green onion pieces scattered on top. The sauce pools around the chicken, creating a glossy layer that highlights the texture of the meat underneath. The pan shows some browning marks from cooking. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I stumbled upon this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe on a hectic weeknight and instantly fell in love. It’s got a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and a little tang, plus it’s so forgiving for busy cooks who want a touch of elegance without the fuss.

Speedy Preparation: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Simple Ingredients: You can whip this up with pantry staples plus fresh chicken—no complicated shopping needed.
Luscious Sauce: That buttery honey garlic glaze is silky and clings to every bite of chicken, making it irresistibly good.
Customizable Flavor: Whether you want it saucier or a little spicy, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences.

honey garlic chicken - The dish shows one thick layer of light golden brown cooked chicken with a shiny, dark brown sauce on top, garnished with thin slices of green onion. The chicken sits on a bed of white rice, which is mixed with bits of the same sauce giving some parts a light brown tint. On the side, there is a small bunch of bright green, fresh green beans. Everything is arranged on a white plate over a white marbled surface, with a silver fork visible at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe plays a vital role, building layers of flavor and texture that work beautifully together. Here’s why they’re so important and some tips on picking the best ones.

honey garlic chicken - Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, several cloves of fresh garlic showing their papery white skin and creamy interiors, a small jar of golden honey glistening under the light, bright green fresh parsley leaves with delicate textures, a clear glass bottle of amber soy sauce reflecting light, a halved lemon with vibrant yellow flesh and juicy texture, and a small mound of fine, white all-purpose flour scattered lightly, arranged naturally with some herbs overlapping the chicken pieces, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken breasts: I prefer smaller, thinner breasts for even cooking, but if yours are large, slicing them into cutlets works wonders.
Butter: Real butter is essential here for that rich, creamy base—don’t skimp on quality.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings fragrant punch—don’t use pre-minced for this recipe.
Honey: Raw or mild floral honey adds that perfect touch of natural sweetness that balances the butter and garlic.
Soy sauce: Gives a subtle umami depth and a bit of saltiness in the sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a slight tang to cut through the richness and brighten the flavors.
Flour: Helps the chicken get a beautiful golden crust and thickens the sauce slightly.
Chicken broth (optional): Makes the sauce more saucy and perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes.
Parsley / green onions (optional): Fresh herbs add color and a fresh note at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe depending on my mood or what’s in the pantry. It’s so adaptable—you can easily add your own spin and make it truly yours.

Add Some Heat: When I’m craving a little kick, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers. It gives just the right warmth without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.
Make It Saucy: A splash of chicken broth helps me get that ooey-gooey sauce consistency that’s perfect for drizzling over rice or bread.
Brighten It Up: Sometimes, I squeeze a little fresh lemon or lime juice in at the end to cut through the richness—it adds a lovely zest.
Swap Protein: I’ve swapped out chicken breasts for thighs on occasion—juicier and more forgiving if you’re new to pan-searing meat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce and Chicken

First things first—whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. This trio creates that signature sweet and tangy glaze that clings so beautifully to the chicken. Then, gently pound your chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking—I like to use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any extra. This step is the secret to that golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken and let it sear without moving it for 4–5 minutes to develop a gorgeous golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for about 1-2 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet; we’ll finish it in the sauce to keep it juicy.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and add the last tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch closely because garlic can burn quickly. Pour in your honey-soy-vinegar sauce mixture and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. This process thickens the sauce while cooking the chicken through. Aim for an internal chicken temp of 165ºF for safety and juiciness.

Step 4: Optional – Make It Saucier & Serve

If you like a saucier dish (I always do!), add ¼ cup chicken broth at this point and give it a good stir to loosen up the glaze. Tilt the pan and spoon sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly. Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of freshness and color. Then grab your plate and get ready—you’re about to enjoy seriously comforting, restaurant-worthy chicken from your own kitchen.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that take this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe from everyday to wow-worthy. These tips have made a big difference in my kitchen, and I’m confident they’ll help you nail it, too.

Perfect Pounding: Don’t skip flattening the chicken—you want an even thickness so it cooks beautifully without drying out.
Don’t Rush the Sear: Give the chicken time to form that golden crust. Moving it around too soon can tear the coating.
Garlic Timing: Add garlic once the chicken is mostly cooked, so it stays fragrant and doesn’t burn.
Temperature Check: Using a meat thermometer to reach 165ºF ensures juicy chicken every time—no guesswork!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

honey garlic chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions. It adds a touch of color and a fresh contrast to the sweetness of the sauce. Sometimes, a little lemon zest or a few red pepper flakes on top give a nice surprise too!

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with simple steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even buttered pasta to soak up all that glorious sauce. I’ve also loved it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted kale, then drizzle extra sauce on top and scatter toasted sesame seeds for some crunch. It always impresses guests and makes the meal feel extra special without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually pour some of the sauce over the chicken pieces before sealing—the sauce helps keep the meat moist and tasty the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this honey garlic butter chicken a few times when meal prepping. Just make sure it cools completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This method keeps the chicken moist and prevents the sauce from drying out. Microwaving works too, but cover the dish and stir occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when pan-searing. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to reach 165ºF internal temperature.

How do I make the sauce thicker in this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe?

To thicken the sauce, make sure to let it simmer gently over medium heat until it visibly reduces and coats the back of a spoon. If you want it thicker faster, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water, but usually, the flour on the chicken and slow simmering create a nice consistency.

Can I prepare any parts of this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can whisk together the sauce ingredients and store them in the fridge ahead of time. You can also season and flour the chicken breasts a few hours before cooking to save time on busy days.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Butter Chicken to keep it light?

Pairing this dish with steamed veggies, a crisp side salad, or cauliflower rice is a great way to keep your meal light but satisfying while still soaking up that luscious sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want something that feels special but comes together so quickly. It’s one of those dishes that has wow factor and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do—once you try it, I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too.