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Honey Butter Chicken

A simple yet delicious dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich honey butter sauce, perfect for any weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs / 900g total)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Honey Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (56g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place between plastic wrap and pound to even thickness of about 3/4 inch.
  2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Searing the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Place chicken breasts in pan and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving.
  3. Flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Remove from pan and let rest tented with foil.
Making the Honey Butter Sauce
  1. Reduce heat and add butter to the same skillet, swirling to melt and deglaze.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds.
  3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Adjust the sauce sweetness and flavor as desired.
Finishing the Dish
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
  2. Let chicken sit in sauce for 2-3 more minutes over low heat.
Serving
  1. Transfer chicken to plates and drizzle remaining sauce over top. Garnish with thyme or parsley.
  2. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight in honey and soy sauce. You can use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Serve with rice, potatoes, or bread to soak up the sauce.