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 (optional)

If you’re craving a dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness that comes together fast — trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.

honey garlic chicken - The image shows several pieces of cooked chicken fillets placed in a dark pan, covered with a shiny brown sauce that looks sticky and thick. The chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce, giving them a glossy, richly colored appearance with small bits of green garnish scattered on top. The surface of the pan reflects light, making the sauce look wet and fresh. The close-up view highlights the texture of the chicken showing a slightly rough surface under the smooth sauce. The overall color palette is warm with hues of brown and hints of green from the garnish, all set against the pan’s dark background. 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 can’t say enough about how this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe became a staple in my weeknight rotation. It’s straightforward enough for busy evenings, yet the flavors feel like you’ve put in way more effort than just 20 minutes of cooking. Plus, the sauce is seriously addictive — rich, buttery, sweet with a hint of tanginess from the vinegar.

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but fast.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry, making this a zero-hassle weeknight dinner.
Versatile Flavors: The sweet and garlicky sauce pairs beautifully with a range of sides and is easy to tweak to your taste.
Impressively Delicious: Despite the simplicity, it’s a dish guests will request again — and you’ll love serving it!

honey garlic chicken - The image shows a plate with three main parts: a white bed of cooked rice with a slight golden tint in some areas, a piece of light-colored cooked chicken on top of the rice covered in a brown glossy sauce with small bits of garlic and chopped green onions, and a bunch of fresh, bright green beans placed to the side. The rice looks light and fluffy, the sauce on the chicken is thick and shiny, and the green beans are crisp and vibrant. The meal is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface, with a silver fork resting partially in the frame near the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a part in creating that perfect harmony in the Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe. I love how the butter and honey form a rich sticky glaze, while garlic adds depth and the soy sauce and vinegar bring a subtle savory balance. Here’s my breakdown:

honey garlic chicken - Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a smooth, pale pink texture, scattered golden cloves of fresh garlic, a small mound of creamy pale yellow butter cubes, a small jar of rich amber honey glistening in the light, a glossy pool of dark soy sauce, a halved fresh lime showing its bright green rind and juicy interior, a small heap of finely chopped vibrant green parsley, and a few bright red chili flakes sprinkled naturally among the ingredients, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken breasts: I like using smaller boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and easy portioning; pounding them ensures they cook evenly.
Salt and pepper: Classic seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.
Flour: Lightly dredging in flour creates a golden crust and helps thicken the sauce.
Butter: The star for richness and glossy finish — plus, it mellows the garlic’s bite perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish its signature aroma and savory punch.
Honey: Adds sweetness and balances the tang and saltiness beautifully.
Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness that pairs wonderfully with honey.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and brightens up the sauce.
Chicken broth (optional): Use it if you want a saucier finish without losing flavor intensity.
Parsley / green onions (optional): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a light freshness that contrasts nicely with the buttery sauce.

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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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re craving more kick, want it saucier, or need to swap ingredients for dietary reasons, it’s super adaptable.

Variation: When I want a little heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. It gives just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the sweet garlic sauce.
Make it saucier: Adding chicken broth makes the sauce silkier and more abundant — great when serving over rice or pasta.
Brighten it up: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice right at the end lifts the whole dish, especially during spring and summer.
Diet-friendly: Swap butter for olive oil and use gluten-free flour for a lighter, allergy-safe version.

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

Step 1: Prep chicken for even cooking

First things first—pound those chicken breasts to about half an inch thick using a meat mallet. This step is key because thinner chicken cooks faster and stays juicy without drying out. After that, season generously with salt and pepper, then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess. The flour helps develop a golden crust and gives your sauce some body.

Step 2: Sear until golden brown

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter, and let it melt until foaming. Place your chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until beautifully golden on one side. Flip and sear the other side just 1-2 minutes to get a nice color without overcooking.

Step 3: Make the honey garlic butter sauce

Turn the heat to medium, add the last tablespoon of butter, and toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn! Then, pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar mixture you whisked earlier. Let it simmer, gently coating the chicken. If you want it saucier, add chicken broth now and keep simmering until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked (165ºF internal temperature).

Step 4: Final touches before serving

Turn the chicken to coat both sides in the luscious sauce before plating. I like to sprinkle on fresh parsley or chopped green onions for color and a pop of fresh flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.

Top Tip

From countless times making this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good and absolutely crave-worthy.

Even thickness: Don’t skip pounding the chicken — it ensures even cooking and prevents those dry edges.
Butter timing: Adding garlic to melted butter on medium heat avoids burning and releases that amazing aroma.
Use a meat thermometer: This helps you pull the chicken right at 165ºF, so it stays juicy and safe.
Patience on searing: Let the chicken form that golden crust by not moving it too soon — this locks in moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

honey garlic chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for fresh chopped parsley or green onions right before serving — they add freshness and that nice green pop that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Sometimes, I toss on a few toasted sesame seeds for crunch and a subtle nutty flavor, which pairs surprisingly well with the soy-honey mix.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this chicken recipe are fluffy jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes — both soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For something lighter, I love a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli tossed with lemon zest.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I like plating the chicken over a bed of garlic butter spinach or creamy polenta, drizzling extra sauce over everything. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens gives it an elegant touch that wows guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so I add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it up and bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

This chicken freezes surprisingly well — just let it cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce’s moisture. Microwaving works too—just cover to keep the steam in and avoid drying the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great here, especially boneless, skinless ones. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if you slightly overcook. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I avoid burning the garlic in the sauce?

The key is to add the garlic once you’ve lowered the heat to medium and the butter is melted but not bubbling too aggressively. Stir constantly and cook for just 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. Just be sure to shake off excess to keep the coating light. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your soy sauce label since some contain wheat—you can use tamari as a gluten-free alternative.

What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method—aim for an internal temperature of 165ºF (75ºC). The chicken should also be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear when poked. Overcooking dries out the meat, so keep an eye on it especially since the chicken is pounded thin.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it hits all the right notes: quick, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. Whenever I make it, I’m reminded that great meals don’t have to be complicated. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do — it’s one you can rely on anytime you want to impress without the stress. Now, get cooking and enjoy every buttery, garlicky, honey-drizzled bite!