20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

Name: 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, diced; 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

June 13, 2025

Updated:

June 13, 2025

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This 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines savory chicken with a rich, sweet sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this quick meal will impress your family and friends. The balance of honey and butter creates a unique flavor profile that makes each bite irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The blend of honey, butter, and garlic offers a sweet and savory taste that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or even with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime you crave something tasty.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of this dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before starting your 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken recipe. Having the right equipment on hand will help you prepare this delicious meal quickly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: This allows for even cooking and browning of the chicken pieces, which is crucial for flavor development.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the sauce ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

This easy recipe for Honey Butter Chicken will make your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell delicious! Tender chicken breast is cooked up in a sweet and buttery homemade sauce that can be on your table in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!

For the Chicken

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 ½ pounds chicken breasts, diced into 1 inch pieces (2-3 chicken breasts)

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ teaspoons salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Skillet

Preheat a large skillet over medium/high heat for 1-2 minutes. Add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Then, add the diced chicken to the skillet ensuring it’s not overcrowded; this helps achieve perfect browning.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it begins to brown nicely. In a separate bowl, mix together honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce becomes bubbly and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Step 4: Serve Hot

Serve your delicious Honey Butter Chicken over rice to soak up all those tasty juices! Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

Serving 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken can elevate your meal experience. The sweet and buttery flavor pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

Over Steamed Rice

Steaming rice allows it to absorb the delightful honey butter sauce, enhancing each bite of chicken.

With Fresh Salad

A crisp salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the chicken. Consider a simple vinaigrette for extra zing.

On a Bed of Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious alternative to rice. Its nutty flavor complements the sweet sauce beautifully.

With Warm Tortillas

Serve the chicken with warm tortillas for a fun twist. You can use them to make wraps or tacos filled with chicken and toppings.

Topped with Chopped Parsley

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and brightness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

How to Perfect 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

For an even better result when making your 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Quality Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts yield the best texture and flavor in your dish.
Control the Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat ensures that the chicken browns nicely without burning while cooking through.
Use Real Butter: Real butter enhances the richness of your sauce compared to margarine or substitutes.
Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your preference for sweetness; start with less if you prefer a subtler taste.
Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juiciness before serving.

Best Side Dishes for 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

Pairing your 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and pair perfectly with the rich sauce.
Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add color and nutrition; toss them in olive oil and garlic for added flavor.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is always a hit at dinner tables; grill or boil it for a simple yet tasty side.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings out natural sweetness that complements the chicken.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the flavors of the honey butter chicken.
Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous mixed with veggies creates a refreshing side that’s easy to prepare in advance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Overcrowding the skillet: If you add too much chicken at once, it won’t brown properly. Always leave enough space and consider cooking in batches.
Not seasoning the chicken: Forgetting to season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to sprinkle salt and pepper before cooking for a tastier dish.
Skipping the resting time: Cutting into your chicken immediately can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.
Using low-quality honey: Cheap honey can lack flavor and depth. Opt for pure, high-quality honey for the best sweet and buttery sauce.
Ignoring the sauce consistency: If your sauce is too runny, it won’t coat the chicken well. Allow it to bubble in the skillet to thicken up before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allow the dish to cool before sealing it in a container.

Freezing 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Label your containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make 20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

What can I serve with Honey Butter Chicken?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I customize my Honey Butter Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust honey levels based on your sweetness preference too!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep as you can easily divide servings into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

20-Minute Honey Butter Chicken is a delightful recipe that balances sweet and savory flavors in just half an hour. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preference while being perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try; you won’t regret bringing such deliciousness into your kitchen!