Easy Honey Butter Chicken Bites (30 mins!)

Ingredients

Here's what you need to make this yummy honey butter chicken:

This is meant to be a brief overview of this one-pan honey butter chicken recipe. Please scroll down to the teal box below for step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces work great for this easy recipe, giving them a lean and tender texture. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps create a light, crispy coating on the chicken when pan-fried. It also helps the seasonings stick and provides a golden brown crust.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a bold, savory flavor to the dish and works really well in the honey butter sauce. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, roasted garlic or garlic paste can be used instead.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level in the recipe, but salted butter works fine, too. The butter helps form the basis for the luscious sweet-savory glaze.
• Olive Oil: A light or extra-light olive oil is great for frying the chicken bites, as it helps achieve a crispy exterior without overpowering the other flavors. If you prefer, you can swap for avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create that signature sticky, glossy coating. It also balances the sauce's savory and tangy elements. And, of course, it helps the chicken caramelize.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the honey. The acidity also helps cut through the richness of the butter, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.
• Soy Sauce (low sodium or regular): Soy sauce brings umami and a touch of saltiness to deepen the overall flavor of the sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce allows for better control of the salt level, while regular soy sauce will add a bit more intensity to the dish.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Kosher salt and black pepper help season the chicken and round out the dish.

Variations

• For a little hint of spice, add red pepper flakes.
• Garnish with finely chopped green onions or chives for a little added freshness.
• Substitute maple syrup for the honey, which mimics the sweetness of honey but with a maple flavor, of course.

You can use this fantastic honey butter sauce with pulled pork, shredded chicken, or chicken tenders.

Ang's Recipe Tips

Here are some tips and tricks we've found while testing this easy skillet chicken recipe:

• Shake it Off. Shake off excess flour before cooking so the coating crisps up instead of getting gummy.
• Get a Sear: A cast iron pan or a non-stick skillet works best because it allows the chicken to develop a golden brown sear. Allow the chicken pieces to develop a crust before flipping them.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing. Cook the chicken in batches if needed so you get a nice, even sear.
• Thin it out. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash or two of warm water or chicken broth.
• Keep stirring. Constantly moving the sauce around the pan prevents hot spots that could lead to the sauce burning.

Storage & Reheating

To Store: Transfer leftover honey butter chicken to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

To Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated throughout.

To Freeze: Place leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and store in the freezer for 1-2 months.

To Thaw: Place in the fridge to thaw overnight. When cooking from frozen, I recommend placing it in a skillet on medium heat rather than microwaving it.

How to Use Leftovers

Around here, we’re all about making life (and mealtime) simpler and more delicious. Here are five ways to turn your leftover honey butter chicken bites into another meal:

1. Chicken Wraps: Stuff them into a tortilla with shredded lettuce, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or spicy mayo for a quick and tasty lunch.
2. Fried Rice: Add them to a skillet with rice, veggies, and a splash of soy sauce for an easy stir-fry.
3. Chicken & Waffles: Reheat and serve over waffles with an extra drizzle of honey butter for a fun, sweet-and-savory brunch.
4. Loaded Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with the chicken, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
5. Chicken Salad: Toss them over a fresh chopped salad with crunchy veggies, shredded cheese, and a honey mustard or balsamic dressing

Serving Suggestions

Serve with red skin mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or even parmesan risotto. It would also be yummy with mashed cauliflower, brown or white rice, or mashed sweet potatoes.

It's delicious with green beans, roasted broccoli florets, honey-glazed carrots, or a simple green salad.

Similar Recipes

Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:

• honey garlic chicken
• sesame chicken
• 40 clove garlic chicken

Not ready to make this Honey Butter Chicken yet?

When you do make it, please come back and comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!