Name: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 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

If you’re craving something quick, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor, this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe might just become your new go-to. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery that hits all the right notes, plus it’s super easy to whip up any day of the week.

honey garlic chicken - Several pieces of cooked chicken fillets are in a pan, covered by a shiny brown sauce that looks thick and smooth. The chicken is golden brown and tender with small green onion pieces scattered on top. The sauce pools around the chicken, creating a glossy layer that highlights the texture of the meat underneath. The pan shows some browning marks from cooking. The background is a white marbled texture. 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

Honestly, I fell in love with this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe the first time I cooked it. The sauce is silky and rich, yet fresh and vibrant thanks to the garlic and honey combo. It’s such an effortless way to elevate chicken breasts—something sometimes labeled as “boring”—into a dish that feels a little fancy but demands zero fuss.

Quick and Easy: You can have this on the table in about 15 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights when you want flavor without the wait.
Minimal Ingredients: Chances are, you already have everything in your pantry and fridge.
Versatile: It pairs well with everything from rice to roasted veggies, and you can easily tweak the sauce to your liking.
Family Friendly: Even picky eaters in my house can’t resist this sweet-savory combo.

honey garlic chicken - The dish shows one thick layer of light golden brown cooked chicken with a shiny, dark brown sauce on top, garnished with thin slices of green onion. The chicken sits on a bed of white rice, which is mixed with bits of the same sauce giving some parts a light brown tint. On the side, there is a small bunch of bright green, fresh green beans. Everything is arranged on a white plate over a white marbled surface, with a silver fork visible at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully together: sweet honey, punchy garlic, silky butter, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a splash of soy sauce. Each adds a layer of flavor that balances perfectly against the tender chicken breasts.

honey garlic chicken - Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, several cloves of fresh garlic showing their papery white skin and creamy interiors, a small jar of golden honey glistening under the light, bright green fresh parsley leaves with delicate textures, a clear glass bottle of amber soy sauce reflecting light, a halved lemon with vibrant yellow flesh and juicy texture, and a small mound of fine, white all-purpose flour scattered lightly, arranged naturally with some herbs overlapping the chicken pieces, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts means quick cooking and easy seasoning.
Butter: This adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here for that aromatic punch.
Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and caramelizes beautifully when cooking.
Soy sauce: Brings a touch of umami and saltiness that balances sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that keeps the sauce from feeling heavy.
Flour: Helps create a light crust on the chicken for texture.
Chicken broth (optional): Use this if you want a saucier version—it adds body without diluting flavor.
Fresh parsley or green onions (optional): A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of freshness.

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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 things I love about this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want to spice it up, add some zest, or tailor it for your family’s tastes, small tweaks make a big difference.

Spicy Kick: I like to sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce for just a touch of heat—it wakes things up without overpowering the honey's sweetness.
Lemon Zest: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving adds brightness and keeps the sauce vibrant.
Gluten-Free: Swap the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or almond flour if you need to keep things free from gluten.
Extra Sauce: If you love saucy chicken like I do, adding a splash of chicken broth while simmering helps the sauce get wonderfully generous and spoonable.

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

Step 1: Prep & Pound the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness—about ½ inch works best. This helps the chicken cook evenly so you don’t end up with a dry edge or a raw center. I always put the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid mess. Then season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Dredge in Flour & Sear

Dredging the chicken lightly in flour gives that crave-worthy golden crust. Shake off any excess so you don't end up with clumps. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on the first side until it’s beautifully golden.

Step 3: Flip & Sear the Other Side

Flip the chicken and cook another 1-2 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet; it will finish cooking in the sauce. Lower the heat to medium to avoid burning the butter.

Step 4: Make the Sauce & Simmer

Push the chicken to the side of the pan and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—garlic burns fast! Then pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar mixture. Let the sauce simmer and thicken as the chicken finishes cooking. If you want it saucier, add the chicken broth here.

Step 5: Coat, Garnish, and Serve

Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, turn it over in the sauce so it’s nicely coated on both sides. Then transfer to your plate, top with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor, and dig in!

Top Tip

Making this Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe for the first time, I quickly realized that timing and heat control are everything. Too hot, and your garlic burns; too low, and the chicken won’t get a nice sear. Here are a few tricks I swear by:

Room Temp Chicken: Let your chicken sit at room temp for 15-20 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
Butter Management: Use most of the butter for searing and save a small amount to finish the sauce—that way your sauce stays rich without burning.
Garlic Timing: Add garlic after the chicken is mostly cooked to prevent it from turning bitter.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let it simmer gently to thicken — it’s worth the few extra minutes for that glossy finish.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe

honey garlic chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley because it adds a touch of color and brightens the rich sauce perfectly. Sometimes I swap in sliced green onions for a slightly sharper, fresher taste—both work beautifully, so grab whichever you prefer (or have on hand!).

Side Dishes

When I make this honey garlic butter chicken, I usually serve it beside buttery mashed potatoes or a simple bed of steamed white or jasmine rice to soak up the sauce. Roasted broccoli or green beans also add a nice crunch and freshness to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve this chicken sliced over creamy polenta and drizzle extra sauce on top. Or, try pairing it with a light salad of arugula and lemon for a springtime twist. It’s also a crowd-pleaser when plated individually with a wedge of lemon on the side for that extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, but just reheat gently and it loosens right back up. This recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick lunches.

Freezing

I've frozen this honey garlic butter chicken a few times without any issues—just cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. The sauce holds up well, but you might want to add a small splash of broth when reheating to loosen it if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm up the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Microwaving works fine too, just cover and heat in short intervals to keep it tender and saucy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a richer flavor and remain juicy. Just watch the cooking time as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part and make sure the juices run clear.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. The sauce will still be delicious and flavorful, just a bit lighter on the richness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If your sauce isn’t thickening enough as it simmers, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in, cooking until thickened. Also, simmer gently to allow the sauce to reduce and concentrate.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I always come back to because it’s just so straightforward yet feels special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it manages to satisfy that craving for comfort food with a bright, flavorful twist. I hope you have as much fun making and enjoying it as I do. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to your taste—this recipe is like a little sauce-kissed hug on a plate.