Are you on the hunt for a new go-to weeknight meal? One that is not only quick and straightforward but also so delicious that everyone will be asking for the recipe? We understand that challenge completely. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to fall into a routine of uninspired dinners. That’s why we’re so excited to share our solution: this incredible Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. This dish effortlessly combines rich, comforting tastes with a simple cooking process, making it a true champion for any evening.

Picture this: perfectly tender chicken pieces, pan-seared until golden and crisp, then lavishly coated in a sublime, glossy sauce. This is no ordinary sauce—it’s a delectable fusion of golden melted butter, sweet honey, umami-rich soy sauce, and a touch of aromatic garlic, all simmered into a sticky, irresistible glaze. It is the type of savory sweet chicken that culinary dreams are made of, and we have a feeling it’s about to earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

• On the Table in Under 30 Minutes: We’ve designed this recipe with busy schedules in mind. You can have this gourmet-style meal ready from start to finish faster than it takes to order a takeaway.
• Made with Pantry Staples: There’s no need for a frantic dash to the supermarket. You probably already have the key ingredients—like honey, butter, soy sauce, and garlic—waiting in your kitchen.
• Fantastically Versatile: This chicken serves as a brilliant centrepiece for a wide array of meals. Enjoy it served over a bed of fluffy rice, with your favourite noodles, or alongside a vibrant mix of steamed vegetables. It also provides a wonderful foundation for other creations, such as our Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls.
• A Hit with the Whole Family: The delightful interplay of sweet and savoury notes is universally appealing. It’s gentle enough for younger palates yet sophisticated enough to satisfy adults.
• Flawlessly Balanced Flavours: The harmony between the creamy butter, the natural sweetness of honey, the salty depth of soy sauce, and the fragrant garlic results in a truly memorable flavour profile.

Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 50g plain flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or other neutral oil
• 60g unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 80ml honey
• 60ml low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tbsp spring onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

For this recipe, we rely on common kitchen ingredients that combine to create something extraordinary. Here is what you will need to gather:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 50g plain flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or other neutral oil
• 60g unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 80ml honey
• 60ml low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tbsp spring onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make the Perfect Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken

We’ve streamlined this recipe into a few straightforward stages. Just follow along, and a sensational dinner will be ready before you know it.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. First, ensure your cubed chicken is patted dry with a paper towel. This is an essential step for achieving a beautifully crisp texture when frying.
2. In a bowl, combine the plain flour with the paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing them together well.
3. Add the dried chicken pieces to the seasoned flour and toss them gently until each cube is lightly and evenly coated. Be sure to tap off any excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over a medium-high heat.
2. When the oil begins to shimmer, carefully place the coated chicken in the pan, ensuring it’s in a single layer. To get a good sear, avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if you need to.
3. Fry the chicken for 3–5 minutes on each side, until it’s a lovely golden brown, crisp, and cooked through. To confirm it’s done, you can slice into a larger piece. For complete peace of mind, we suggest a meat thermometer; according to the Food Standards Agency, chicken is safely cooked at an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
4. Once cooked, transfer the chicken from the skillet to a plate and set it aside for a moment.

Step 3: Create the Honey Butter Glaze

1. Lower the heat to medium-low under the same pan (don’t worry about wiping it). Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely.
2. Stir the minced garlic into the butter and cook for around 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.
3. Now, pour in the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. If you fancy a little warmth, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
4. Stir to combine all the ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes, which will help it thicken into a rich, glossy glaze. This is the key to an amazing butter glazed chicken.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan with the sauce.
2. Gently stir and toss the chicken, making sure every single piece is thoroughly coated in the luxurious honey butter glaze.
3. Allow it to simmer for another minute, which gives the chicken a chance to soak up all of those beautiful flavours.
4. Serve straight away, garnishing with finely sliced spring onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and a fresh finish.

Top Tips for the Best Honey Butter Chicken

Looking to take your dish from delicious to truly exceptional? Here are a few of our best tips to keep in mind.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: This is our golden rule for achieving crispy chicken. Frying in batches ensures each piece has ample room to brown perfectly instead of steaming.
• Opt for Fresh Garlic: While granulated garlic can suffice, using freshly minced garlic delivers a far superior aromatic depth that elevates the sauce. It’s a non-negotiable for a great honey garlic chicken.
• Manage the Heat: When preparing the sauce, maintain a medium-low temperature. Honey can caramelise and burn very quickly, so a gentle simmer is all that’s needed to thicken the glaze beautifully.
• Taste and Refine: Just before you reintroduce the chicken, take a moment to taste the sauce. Does it need a little more sweetness or a hint more salt? This is the perfect time to adjust the flavours to your liking.

What to Serve With Your Chicken

This versatile sticky chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a whole host of side dishes. Here are some of our top recommendations:

• Steamed White Rice: Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice is the ideal companion for soaking up every last bit of the incredible sauce.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Brighten up your plate with a side of tender-crisp broccoli, sliced bell peppers, and mange tout for extra colour and nutrients.
• Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve this chicken with a generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or thick udon noodles, tossed in a touch of sesame oil, make for an excellent and satisfying pairing.

If you’re on the lookout for more simple chicken dinners, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe is another weeknight hero that consistently earns glowing reviews.

FAQ

Your New Favourite Weeknight Meal Awaits

And there we have it—a beautifully simple yet impressive Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Chicken Recipe that truly delivers. It is quick, bursting with flavour, and made with reliable, everyday ingredients. This dish is a testament to the fact that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to produce a meal that feels wonderfully special.

We are confident this recipe will become a cherished favourite in your collection. It is ideal for those busy weeknights, a relaxed weekend meal, or even for impressing guests without any of the usual stress. So, go on and give it a try this week. We are sure you will be delighted with the results.

If you decide to make this dish, we would be thrilled to hear how it went! Feel free to leave a comment below to let us know your thoughts or to share any unique touches you added. Happy cooking!

Recipe Card

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 50g plain flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 60g unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 80ml honey
• 60ml low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• For Garnish: 1 tbsp sliced spring onions and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add dry chicken cubes and toss until lightly coated.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar (and optional red pepper flakes).
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens into a glaze. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the sauce.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 480, Carbs: 34 g, Protein: 35 g, Fat: 23 g