Next time you want to save money and skip ordering takeout, try making this delicious Honey Butter Chicken at home!
Whenever my partner and I order takeout, I always suggest we get Chinese food. It’s hands down one of my favorite cuisines, and I am a firm believer that we have one of the best Chinese restaurants in the world just down the street from our apartment. I often see the owners at the farmers’ market in the morning, picking up various ingredients for their evening shift. They always use the freshest produce and poultry, which really shows in their dishes—especially in their honey butter chicken, my personal favorite.
I recently decided to challenge myself by recreating this dish at home. This honey butter chicken recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, and the resulting dish is just as mouthwatering as my favorite takeout order. From the crispy, golden chicken pieces to the sweet, tangy sauce, nothing beats a bite of this welcoming dish.
Now that I can prepare this recipe at home, I never have to worry about it being sold out or calling at just the right time to make sure I get an order on weekends. I can make this delectable recipe whenever the craving strikes and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from the comfort of my own kitchen. The next time you’re jonesing for Chinese takeout, why not give this dish a try?
What other proteins can I use besides chicken?
If chicken isn’t your favorite protein, or you’re simply in the mood for something different, don’t worry—you can easily substitute this ingredient with beef, pork, or even tofu without compromising the flavor or cooking time. Let’s take a closer look at these substitution options now.
Beef: For beef, choose a sirloin or flank steak cut. Cut your beef against the grain into thin strips and brown them quickly for two to three minutes per side before removing them from the skillet. The beef should be returned to the pan just before serving to coat with sauce, which will give you a richer, more robust flavor while keeping the meat tender.
Pork: For pork, I recommend using boneless pork loin cut into one-inch pieces, browning them well until golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F before adding to the sauce. Pork loin will be lean and tender while absorbing the honey butter sauce beautifully.
Tofu: For tofu, use the extra-firm variety that has been well-pressed. Before you begin, pat it dry and remove any excess water, then cut your tofu into one-inch cubes. Lightly toss the tofu in a flour mixture, then fry it in a neutral oil until golden and crispy on all sides (about three to four minutes per side), remove it from the skillet, make the sauce as directed, and return the crispy tofu to coat with the honey butter mixture. Be sure to gently mix the tofu into the sauce so you don’t break it.
How do I store leftovers?
If you’ve got any leftover honey butter chicken, once it’s fully cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing it, since the breading will get soggy upon thawing. To reheat the chicken and maintain its crispy texture, you should either use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-8 minutes or an oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.
Serving suggestions
I love making this recipe not only because it tastes so good, but also because it pairs well with a wide range of different side dishes. If you’re looking to stay on the Chinese cuisine theme, I recommend making this Asian Cucumber Salad, a plate of this Bok Choy, a batch of these Egg Rolls, and this delectable Vegetable Fried Rice. If you want to keep it simple, you can just make some Steamed Rice and this easy Asian Cabbage Salad. Of course, no meal is complete without something sweet! If you want to end on a high note, try making this Healthy Frozen Strawberry Dessert, a batch of these Cookie Dough Vegan Banana Ice Cream Bars, or this tasty Blueberry Cobbler.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for frying
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter for sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove chicken from the skillet.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add butter, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the same skillet. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss until well coated with the honey butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with green onions.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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