Honey Butter Chicken

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors, look no further than Honey Butter Chicken. This easy-to-make recipe is not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. With crispy chicken pieces coated in a luscious honey butter sauce, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for a savory twist)
• Pinch of salt (to taste)

Instructions

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator) to tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Mix the Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C). Remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

6. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the honey, cinnamon, soy sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

7. Coat the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, pour the honey butter sauce over the fried chicken pieces. Toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly.
8. Serve: Transfer the honey butter chicken to a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips for the Best Honey Butter Chicken

• Choose the Right Chicken: Thighs are juicier than breasts, making them a great choice for frying.
• Use Buttermilk: The acidity in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce according to your taste preference.
• Serve with Sides: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 piece of chicken
• Calories: 350-400 (varies based on portion size and oil absorption)
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 20g

Conclusion

Honey Butter Chicken is a delectable recipe that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and discover why it’s become a beloved favorite in many households!

Sure! Here are some Serving and Storage Tips for Honey Butter Chicken:

Serving Tips

1. Pair with Sides: Honey Butter Chicken goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

• Steamed rice or fried rice for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty meal.
• A fresh garden salad to add a refreshing crunch.
• Corn on the cob or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.

1. Garnish for Presentation: Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing the dish with:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
• A sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

1. Sauce on the Side: Consider serving extra honey butter sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the chicken for those who want an extra sweet kick.
2. Create a Sandwich: Use the honey butter chicken to make a delicious sandwich. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of honey mustard or ranch dressing in a soft bun for a tasty twist.

Storage Tips

1. Cooling: Allow the honey butter chicken to cool completely before storing it to prevent condensation and sogginess.
2. Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To retain the best flavor, it’s advisable to keep the chicken and any remaining sauce separate if possible.

1. Freezing:

• Honey Butter Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent clumping.

1. Reheating:

• For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 15-20 minutes). This helps maintain its crispiness.
• You can also reheat in the microwave, but this may make the chicken softer. To do this, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warm.

1. Avoiding Sogginess: If you notice the chicken becoming soggy in storage, try placing a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Honey Butter Chicken fresh and flavorful, whether you’re serving it immediately or saving it for later!

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be drier than thighs. To ensure moist chicken, avoid overcooking and consider marinating the chicken longer in buttermilk to help tenderize it.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?

• To lighten up the recipe, consider the following modifications:
  • Bake Instead of Fry: Coat the chicken in the flour mixture and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. This will reduce the amount of oil used.
  • Use Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Reduce the Sugar: You can decrease the amount of honey in the sauce or use a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake.

3. Can I prepare the honey butter sauce in advance?

• Yes, the honey butter sauce can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling over the chicken.

4. What are some variations I can try with this recipe?

• There are many ways to customize Honey Butter Chicken:
  • Add Spices: Experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper or chili powder for a bit of heat.
  • Incorporate Vegetables: Toss in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete meal.
  • Try Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile while still enjoying the honey butter sauce.

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