This honey butter chicken is golden, sticky, and melts in your mouth — and the best part? It’s quick and ready in just 20 minutes, whether you cook it in an air fryer or bake it in the oven.
It’s juicy, flavorful, and comes together with minimal effort—whether you’re using an air fryer or your oven.
These honey butter chicken thighs tastes just like the restaurants and are sticky, garlicky, buttery, and seriously irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Honey Butter Chicken
- Easy to make: Minimal prep and quick cook time make this a easy weeknight dinner for the family.
- Sweet and savory: The honey butter sauce is perfectly balanced and addictive - truly irresistible!
- Crispy edges, juicy center: Air frying or oven-baking gives the chicken that irresistible texture and golden brown color.
- Versatile: Great with rice, veggies, other side dishes, and even tucked into a sandwich or wrap.
Equipment You'll Need
- Air Fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients For Honey Butter Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and ideal for soaking up marinades and sauces.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to both the marinade and sauce.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and that glossy finish.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of savory flavor to the marinade.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh and aromatic, perfect for infusing the sauce.
- Water: Helps balance out the saltiness and consistency of the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the honey butter sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: The key to a rich, velvety, and flavorful honey butter sauce.
Customizations
- Use chicken breasts or chicken wings: Swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken wings if that’s what you have on hand, just adjust the cooking time.
- Sauce for Fried Chicken: You can also make this sauce for fried chicken!
- Add spice: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to give the honey butter sauce a spicy kick.
- More veggies, more fun: Serve it with sautéed green beans, broccoli, or even a fresh cucumber salad for crunch.
How to Make Honey Butter Chicken
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until everything is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, or pop it in the fridge overnight for extra flavor.
Cook in the Air Fryer (or Oven)
Preheat your air fryer to 425°F. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed.
Air fry for 11–14 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and fully cooked (internal temp should be 165°F).
For the oven, bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, mix soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, water, and cornstarch in a bowl.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Pour in the sauce mixture, stir, and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is ready, pour the honey butter sauce over and toss to coat evenly. Save a little extra sauce for dipping, if you’d like.
Serve honey butter chicken with white rice, veggies, or anything you love. Enjoy!
Storage
This honey butter chicken is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating is a breeze using a large skillet or in the microwave.
Tips
- Don’t skip the marinade: Even 10 minutes makes a difference in how flavorful your honey butter chicken turns out.
- Watch the sauce: Simmer just until it thickens slightly—don’t let it reduce too much or it might become too salty.
- Use a meat thermometer: For juicy, perfectly cooked chicken, aim for 165°F internal temp.
Other Chicken Recipes You'll Love
- Char Siu Chicken
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Hot Honey Sriracha Chicken
- Gochujang Chicken Thighs
- Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken
- Soy Sauce Chicken
Honey Butter Chicken
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Honey Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add chicken thighs, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Marinate for 10 mins up to overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 425F for a few mins. Add chicken thighs (don’t overcrowd and cook in batches as needed) and air fry for 11-14 mins until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165F or more)If you don't have an air fryer, see alternative cooking methods in the notes below.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, water, and cornstarch in a cup or bowl and set aside. In a medium shallow pan on medium heat, add butter and let it melt down then add the sauce and cook down for 1-2 mins until thickened. Remove and set aside.
- Once chicken is done, pour the sauce over the chicken and coat evenly (save a little sauce for dipping later). Serve chicken with fluffy white rice, veggies, and other sides you desire.
Darren Fitzgerald says
OMG, my wife and I now have a favorite meal. Easy to make and so good.
Herman says
so happy to hear this and glad you and your wife enjoyed this!
Eng says
My sauce was thin but delicious but I want to thicken it up next time I make it.
Herman says
You can add 1 tsp of cornstarch to the sauce before you cook it down in the saucepan, that helps to thicken faster.
Michelle K says
So good. Hubby and I devoured this dish. Also doubled the sauce.
Herman says
Thank you for the positive review and so glad you and your hubby loved this dish!
Jenny Martin says
Making this for the 3rd time! New family favorite ❤️
Herman says
3 times already! Thanks so much and glad you like my recipe
Rhonda Becker says
What is the serving size? I would love to try this.
Herman says
This makes about 2-3 servings.
Dot says
So delicious thank you for sharing this with me!
Herman says
No problem and thanks for the positive review!
Scott Barris says
Made this tonight. It achieved “plate-licking” status! Air fried chicken, honey butter sauce and rice combination are now on my “comfort-food rotation”. Thank you for this great recipe.
Herman says
This makes me so happy - glad you enjoyed it!
Angie says
OMG!!!!! This dish is soooo good and easy to cook. Thank you 😊
Herman says
so glad you enjoyed it Angie! thanks for the positive review 🙂
Sierra says
This recipe is SO good! Easy to follow and extremely delicious.
We didn't have chicken thighs on hand, so I made it with chicken breast that I cut a crosshatch pattern into before marinating. We served it with rice and sautéed broccoli, carrot, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. So so good, and we'll definitely make it again!
Herman says
It makes me so happy when folks try my recipe and LOVE it! Thanks for the positive review!
Lisa says
I made this tonight and it was good. I used an Air Fryer oven at 400 for 25 minutes. I’ll cut the time down to maybe 20 next time but my son ate two pieces and I had three.
Herman says
So glad you liked this recipe, thanks for the review!
S says
How many chicken thighs for the serving?
Herman says
I used about 3-4 boneless chicken thighs
Danette says
Thank you so much for this recipe! Dinner was ready in no time and was delicious. The only issue, like others, was the sauce was a little runny, even after an extra tsp of cornstarch. However, it's so good, it didn't matter. 😊 Thanks again!
Herman says
Thank you so much for the review! I usually add the sauce to a large skillet so it cooks down and thickens up easily but if not, you can add another 1/2-1 tsp to thicken faster. Hope this helps!
Kate Brock says
An absolute winner of a reciepe in our house! I have 1 fussy neuro divergent child and he is asking for this all the time! Its yummy! Thanks for sharing 👍
Herman says
I love hearing when kids (especially picky eaters) love my recipe. So glad you liked this recipe!
S. King says
I had to scroll all thru fb to find you. I JUST made this and man is it good. Tried to get my kids to try it but well you know if it don't come in a greasy bag they don't want it. I only cooled 3 to sample. Guess what I'm about to go do with rest lol. Extremely good! Thanks for this one. YOU are the first person that I have ever tried a recipe from online. Your way was simple and that's what I like no love about this one. Done in no time at all. 💪🏾 💪🏾 💪🏾
Herman says
Wow I appreciate the thoughtful and kind review! I'm so glad you and the family loved this recipe and I hope you try my other recipes as well!
Melissa says
I made this tonight for dinner and everyone loved it. I accidentally put to much cornstarch in it and it thickened up a good bit but I just added a bit more water and it was fine. I'd also recommend using low sodium soy sauce but it came out amazing. I made extra for lunch tomorrow and it was finished tonight. I wish I could post a picture to show how great it looks.
Herman says
So glad you loved this one! It's one of my favorite recipes 🙂
Miguel Loves Rice says
Found this through insta and it did not disappoint. This is one of the best chicken and rice dishes I have ever made. I pan fried the chicken and it worked perfectly. Thank you so much!!
Herman says
so happy to hear this! thank you so much for the support
Ashley says
My family loved this, every single person! Paired it with coconut rice and it was so delicious! Thank you so much, as my hubby says, "add it to the rotation!"
Herman says
haha so glad you all liked this one! say hi to your hubby for me 🙂
Taryn says
Wow!! What a beautiful, easy and very tasty recipe! Thank you so much I found you on Insta and you send me your link! Thanks so much really appreciate you! Don’t stop creating! 🥰
Herman says
This comment made my day! Thank you and I will keep making easy and delicious recipes for everyone 🙂
Suneet says
So glad I chose to make this recipe. Found him on instagram and wow my whole family loved it and toddler approved. Served with broccoli on side with some of the sauce on top.
Herman says
Happy to hear you loved it! I will keep sharing more of these easy tasty meals 🙂
Diana Braud says
You had me sold at honey butter!
Herman says
it's too good 🙂
Liz says
Loved it but my but my butter sauce was a little watered.
Herman says
Make sure to reduce the sauce in a small saucepan until it becomes thickened so it isn't watery. This helps bring out the flavor and ensure the sauce is sticky and sweet
Marnie says
Fantastic! Tastes just like chicken I used to get at the mall. (Sarku) absolutely delicious!!
Herman says
Thank you so much and glad you liked this recipe. I appreciate the rating and nice comment!
Leslie Woods says
I’m going to try this recipe keto by subbing out honey for sugar free honey. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Herman says
Great idea and should taste almost the same!
Maria says
Family really loves it and asked me to make it again.
Herman says
So glad to hear your family loves it - Thank you for the review!
Vicki Lester-Smith says
Wow! Did not disapoint. I RARELY cook and it was really easy and SO flavorful.
Herman says
I am so happy to hear you loved it, thanks for the review!
Andrea says
Incredible!!! I can’t believe how easy this was and how amazing it tastes. I had no idea what to make for dinner after baseball practice so I just searched easy fast chicken thighs on TikTok and you popped up so I followed over to here and😱this is now forever in our dinner rotation. My son said he wants this for his birthday meal.
Home run. Thanks
Herman says
Wow, thank you so much for such a positive review! I am so happy to hear this is a easy and delicious that you want to eat over and over. Thank you again!
Dorene says
Made this tonight as I had chicken out to cook and it didn’t disappoint! Absolutely delicious and simple to make . This will be on my make over and over again list! Thank you!
Herman says
Thank you so much for the kind review and I am so glad you enjoyed it!
Karen says
Absolutely a fave! This will be on repeat especially when your normally quiet son sends you a text and says it was great! I grilled my thighs and added 1 T corn starch slurry. Delish!
Herman says
Thank you so much for the positive review! I am so happy to hear that your son (and family) loved this recipe!
Tuan says
Very good thanks
Herman says
Thank you for the positive review and feedback!
Becky Rousseau says
Very easy and delicious quick meal thank you
Herman says
I am so glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the review!
Christy says
Really good. Will make again. But the chicken needed a bit more time in the air fryer and I would add a little cornstarch slurry to the sauce to make it thicker. But it was really good and easy to make
Herman says
Thanks so much! I think some air fryers cook slightly different and baskets could also be different sizes so glad you adjusted the cooking time accordingly! Also, yes a cornstarch slurry helps to thicken faster if you find it taking longer than usual. I used a large shallow pan so it only took me a few mins.
Anne says
Making this now. Smells great - chicken looks lovely. However it’s taking waaaay longer than 2-3 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. More like 20 minutes. Did I do something wrong?
Herman says
Thank you so much! If you find it taking longer than usual, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp + 1 Tbsp of water mix together) to the sauce to thicken it up quicker. I used a large shallow pan which helped reduce it in a few mins.
Tuan Dzoan says
Very good
Herman says
Thank you for trying my recipe, glad you liked it!
Brenda says
So good!
Herman says
Thanks so much Brenda!
Stephanie says
Found this online and made it tonight with some cauliflower rice -it was really good!!! Went over well with the fam
Herman says
I am so happy you and the family loved this recipe! It is on repeat in my house too 🙂
Jennifer doss says
Best chicken ever.. the only thing I do different is I do not put water in for the sauce I think it makes it too watery
Herman says
So glad you liked it! I put a little water in to thin it out and when you reduce it, it becomes sticky sweet but if it works for you, great adjustment!
Francie says
Hands down, our new favorite chicken recipe! Cooks to perfection … third time I’ve been asked to make it in last 2 weeks!
Herman says
Wow, that's amazing! so glad you love this one. I'll keep sharing these easy recipes 🙂
HAPPY_MAN says
Relatively easy to make and delicious
Herman says
thank you so much, so glad you liked it!
Shauna says
I have made this recipe a few times and it tastes so close to food court chicken teriyaki! I do make some small adjustments- I cube the chicken before marinating, and I add in some goguchang and ginger for a little kick of spice. My family loves this and we often double the recipe for leftovers.
Herman says
Thanks so much Shauna! I like your customization to adjust to your taste. Glad you and your family love this recipe!
Christina says
I haven't tried it yet, but it looks absolutely amazing. I'll be cooking this for dinner tonight. Thank you. I'm following you for more delicious recipes. Thank you again
Herman says
Thank you so much and hope you like this one. If you do, please come back and give it a 5 star review 🙂
Sandy Donner says
This sounds delicious and I'd like to make it for my family. How many servings does this make, please?
Herman says
Hi Sandy, this recipe makes about 3-4 servings!
amanda says
simple
Herman says
Thanks so much!
Ortencia denavich says
Was absolutely delicious
Herman says
Thanks for trying my recipe and the positive review!
Wheat says
Cooked this tonight for the family. Everyone enjoyed it. Served it with some jasmine rise. This was my first time cooking with chicken thighs. Thanks for this! It's definitely going in the rotation.
Herman says
I'm so happy the family loved this one! Thanks for the review!
Judith Acidera says
Really good, sticky, salty and slightly sweet... So yummy! Finger lickin' good! I used bone in skin on thighs... I will add this into out meal plans! Thank you so much!
Herman says
Thank you Judith, glad you enjoyed it!
P. Banks says
This was amazing! Can't wait to try a new recipe
Herman says
Thanks so much, enjoy!
Karina Posada says
Realmente fabulosa esta receta, es mi favorita de el! Es muy rapido de hacer
Herman says
Gracias Karina!
Beth says
Delicious
Herman says
Thanks so much Beth!
Gracy Rai says
so easy to make and delicious literally my comfort meal
Herman says
It's definitely one of my favorites too! thanks so much for the review
Katherine Leal says
Amazing and easy recipe, thank you so much!
Herman says
Glad you liked this one, thank you!
Kristin says
This is so flavorful and easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. Will be adding this to the weekly rotation for sure.
Herman says
So glad you liked this one! Appreciate the positive review!
cindy says
The prep time is incredibly quick, and since we love chicken, this recipe was a hit! It was easy to follow, full of flavor, and perfect for a weeknight meal. We’ll definitely be making this
Herman says
So glad you like this one! Thanks for the review
Gabrielle says
Delicious and was easy to make will be making again!
Herman says
It's on my weeknight rotation so I'm glad you enjoy this one too!
Stacy F says
Family loved it! I used a teriyaki tenderloin instead of the marinated chicken but the honey butter sauce is divine!
Herman says
the honey butter sauce is one of my favs, thanks so much!
Alithea shea says
Tasty and easy recipe
Samara Rose says
My family loved it! I can’t believe I’m saying this but I normally don’t like cooking and this recipe made it so enjoyable.
Herman says
Thanks so much! This recipe is on repeat in my house so I'm glad you all loved it too.
Aishah says
Alternatives for corn starch in the honey butter?
Herman says
you can use tapioca starch or omit the cornstarch and just reduce the sauce on the stove for a few mins longer until thickened
Jill Honer says
I made this today for my husband and I. I’m 76 and I still love trying now things. Needless to say this was easy and my husband said he really liked it a lot!! That right there is a 2 thumbs up review. Thankyou Herman for these wonderful recipies.
Herman says
Thank you so much Jill and so glad you loved this one!
Hilary says
This was fantastic!! I made your salmon nuggets last night and tried this tonight. Seriously, your recipes are so easy to follow, deliver delicious food, and make almost no mess. I am going through your recipe library to try as many as I can. Deliciousness!
Herman says
I'm so happy to hear you love my recipes and I'll keep these easy recipes coming!
Rio says
Thank you for sharing your recipe. This is the first I have tried from here and excited for the next one because this honey butter chicken is so good, requires simple ingredients, and very easy to make. My son had extra servings of rice. We love it!
Herman says
I am so happy you loved this one! I hope you enjoy my other recipes!
Annette says
Taste like panda express teriyaki chicken. I think it needs steamed broccoli and shredded carrots. Maybe even water chestnuts
Herman says
Yes feel free to add a side of veggies and serve with rice!
Lisa says
Absolutely delicious
Herman says
Thanks so much, I 'm glad you liked this!
Nicole Péloquin says
This meal was a hit.
I'd like to serve 8 people next time. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Thank you!
Herman says
Yes you can definitely double and triple the recipe! My air fryer doesn't hold as many chicken thighs at once so cook them in batches or you can pan-fry or oven bake them if you want to cook in a larger batch. Enjoy!
Zoe says
This was so easy and delicious.
Herman says
Thanks so much, glad you like this one!
Heidi says
Easy and so flavorful!
Herman says
I agree, thank you!
Sarah says
How would you cook this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer.
Herman says
You can bake at 400F for 20-25 mins!
Rose J says
I am SO excited to make this! I would love to know how you made your bok choy. A zillion recipes out there, many seem like they would compete with the chicken.
Herman says
I just cooked it in boiling water for about 2 minutes until softened. That's it!
Savannah Brumley says
This honey butter chicken recipe is fantastic, and will make sweet love to your tastebuds!!!
Herman says
Hahaha thank you!
Toni says
Looking forward to making this. Thank you for the recipe.
Yari says
Omg this dish was so delicious!
Herman says
It's one of my favs, thank you!
Holly says
I am looking forward to making this recipe!! Chicken is my favorite food group! I would like to make it and freeze it to bring to my daughters' house when we visit. Have you tried freezing the chicken and sauce with rice for quick meals? thank you
Herman says
This tastes good after freezing still!
Heather says
Never seen my picky kids devoir something so quickly! They asked for it again this week! So easy, so full of flavor and a total family pleaser!
Herman says
Woot, so glad you all loved this recipe. Thanks for the review!
Tracy says
Everything. It’s so easy to follow
Herman says
Thanks so much!
Marelee says
Sounds delicious, im gonna try this !!!
Judy says
So delicious!
Herman says
Thank you!
Robin says
Beautiful recipe!! Looks amazing ♥️
Herman says
Thank you!
ADRIAN says
Hi Thanks for the recipe my wife loves it.
Herman says
Thanks so much!
Christine says
So good. And easy! Will be making this again for sure. Found HatH on Instagram and so happy I did!
Herman says
Thank you and appreciate the support! Will keep these easy recipes coming 🙂
Terri says
This recipe was delicious and so easy to make!
Herman says
it's one of my favorites too!
Laura says
Very quick response with recipe. Easy clear directions. Excellent chicken!
Herman says
thanks so much! glad you liked it 🙂
Peter Halt says
I make this on the grill once a week and have shown all my college kids this recipe. One of the easiest and tastiest recipes ever, with just a handful of ingredients.
Herman says
so glad you and the family love this one!
AngieB says
I came across this recipe a few day back (don't recall where though), and I'm thrilled that I did! Made it tonight using chicken tenders (as that's what I had on hand). To say it was a hit with the family is an understatement. We had it with Lo'Mein noodles, grilled peppers and broccoli. Perfectly lovely meal. Thank you.
Herman says
That sounds like a wonderful meal. Thanks for the positive review!
Lori says
Excellent recipe!
Among the best air fryer recipes I have made.
Thank you,
Herman says
Appreciate the positive review!
JOANNA G STOUT says
Easy to follow, quick and delicious! May cut back on the butter a bit but it did add depth of flavor so I would not omit it! Will definitely make it again!
Herman says
That works to cut back on the butter a bit! You can also make a little less sauce or save any extra for next time 🙂
Ari Cep says
Very good!! Easy and quick meal. I used oven at 425f 25 mins and hi broil for last 3 mins. Thank you!
Herman says
amazing! so glad you liked it!
Gordon says
Absolutely delicious and easy to make
Herman says
Thank you, glad you liked it!
Melissia says
It was quick to come together and tasted good.
Michelle says
I made this last night for my family and they loved it! My youngest is a little bit picky but he ate it up any gut seconds! Thank you so much
Herman says
Happy to hear you all loved it! This is one of my fav recipes too
Sue Fritz says
Absolutely delicious and very easy to make. Definitely added this to our revolving menu. 5 stars!
Herman says
So happy to hear this, thank you!
Pamela says
This recipe is fantastic! Restaurant quality! The sauce was saucy, not runny. The flavors were spot on! I love you recipes!!!!
Herman says
Thank you so much Pamela!
Greg Meare says
Mmmmmmm......It was so good and savory and sweet the same time. I would definitely cook again.
Herman says
so glad you liked it!
Sami says
This is a brilliant recipe, full of flavour, easy to do and had the family begging for more! This is now a forever favourite. Thank you 🫶🏼
Herman says
So happy to hear this, thank you!
Kate says
First time trying this recipe and it was delicious. I didn’t have chicken thighs so I used chicken breast fillets and it worked out.
Herman says
Chicken breast works perfect with this recipe too!
Karen Weaver says
Made it tonight. Great instructions, easy to make, delicious result! Thank you, Herman!
Herman says
Makes me so happy you enjoyed this recipe!
Brad Robinson says
Wow this was impressive. Make sure to use boneless skinless chicken thighs. Air fry 14mind at 400 and flip halfway through. Perfect
Herman says
It's one of my favorites too, thanks!
Quesha says
So good and so simple. I love recipes like this. You delivered quick and tasty and who doesn’t love that? Subscribing to the mailing list because your recipes haven’t missed.
Rae says
So good
Silvia says
Super delicious!!!🤤
Herman says
Thank you, it's one of my favorites!