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Honey Butter Chicken

Honey butter chicken with caramelized golden chicken breasts in a glossy amber honey-butter sauce. The quick skillet method creates a sweet, thick glaze that coats every surface.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Honey butter chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 tsp salt Season to taste.
  • 0.25 tsp pepper Season to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder Season to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika Season to taste.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 3 garlic Minced, about 3 cloves.
  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 fresh thyme For garnish.
  • 1 flaky sea salt For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Sear the chicken
  1. Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then add olive oil to a large cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove.
Make the honey butter sauce
  1. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring until fragrant.
Glaze and caramelize
  1. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, turning and basting until the sauce caramelizes and coats the chicken.
Finish and serve
  1. Plate the chicken and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan. Finish with fresh thyme leaves and flaky sea salt.

Notes

For the best glossy glaze, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer while basting so it thickens without burning the garlic. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium-low until warmed through. Freezing isn’t recommended because the sauce can separate when thawed. For a lighter option, use a reduced-fat butter substitute to keep the honey-butter flavor while cutting saturated fat.