Easy Honey Butter Chicken Bites Recipe

These delicious honey butter chicken bites are perfect for a weeknight chicken dinner or family meal.

Made with tender chicken breast, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual gathering, these honey butter chicken bites deliver on taste and convenience. The combination of sweet honey and savory butter creates an irresistible glaze that coats every tender piece of chicken, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.

Honey Butter Chicken Bites

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• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These delicious honey butter chicken bites are perfect for a weeknight chicken dinner or family meal. Made with tender chicken breast, this recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you want something flavorful without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual gathering, these honey butter chicken bites deliver on taste and convenience. The combination of sweet honey and savory butter creates an irresistible glaze that coats every tender piece of chicken, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Then, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the salt and black pepper. Make sure each piece is lightly coated.

3. Melt the butter: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to ensure the bottom is evenly coated.

4. Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it. You might need to cook the chicken in two batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C).

5. Make the honey butter sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently to combine everything.

6. Glaze the chicken: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the chicken pieces beautifully. The sauce should cling to the chicken, creating a lovely glaze.

7. Serve immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the honey butter chicken bites hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: pan-frying
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving

Keywords: chicken, honey, butter, quick, easy, dinner, family, weeknight, savory, sweet

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true winner for anyone seeking a fast, family-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It works so well because it uses readily available ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, making it accessible even for novice cooks. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly, but it’s also special enough for a relaxed weekend lunch or a casual gathering with friends. The tender chicken breast, coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce, appeals to a wide range of palates, including picky eaters, making it a reliable choice for family meals. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with simple sides, allowing you to customize your dinner experience effortlessly.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for these honey butter chicken bites is a breeze, as most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The key is fresh chicken breast and a few pantry staples that come together to create a delightful sauce.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute if you prefer dark meat; just be aware they might require a minute or two longer to cook through. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can offer a similar bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder and onion powder to your taste preferences. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, perfect for those busy days when time is of the essence.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

You can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners when you want something quick but satisfying. The minimal prep and quick cooking time mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating these honey butter chicken bites is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time.

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Then, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
2. Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the salt and black pepper. Make sure each piece is lightly coated.
3. Melt the butter: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to ensure the bottom is evenly coated.
4. Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of browning it. You might need to cook the chicken in two batches. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the honey butter sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet with the chicken. Stir gently to combine everything.
6. Glaze the chicken: Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the chicken pieces beautifully. The sauce should cling to the chicken, creating a lovely glaze.
7. Serve immediately: Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the honey butter chicken bites hot.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

These honey butter chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the garlic and onion powder slightly, or even omit the apple cider vinegar if your children prefer a sweeter profile. They’re fantastic served with simple sides like steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad.

For a party or buffet setting, serve these chicken bites with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They make excellent appetizers! You could also offer a dipping sauce on the side, such as a mild ranch or a sweet chili sauce, though the honey butter glaze is usually enough on its own. To make it a more complete meal, consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even tossed with some cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner. A sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving can add a nice textural contrast and a nutty flavor.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help ensure your honey butter chicken bites turn out perfectly every time.

• Overcrowding the pan: This is one of the most frequent mistakes. When you add too much chicken to the skillet at once, the temperature of the pan drops significantly. Instead of searing, the chicken will steam, resulting in a pale, rubbery texture instead of a golden-brown exterior. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space between pieces.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breast cooks relatively quickly. Overcooking it will lead to dry, tough chicken. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Not patting the chicken dry: Excess moisture on the chicken surface prevents it from browning properly. Always pat the chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable golden crust.
• High heat for the sauce: When adding the honey and other sauce ingredients, make sure to reduce the heat to low. High heat can cause the honey to burn or the sauce to reduce too quickly and become overly thick or sticky before the chicken is fully coated. Gentle simmering allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to glaze the chicken beautifully.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

These honey butter chicken bites are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated. To store, place any cooled leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating, the best method to maintain texture is to gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, though this might make the chicken slightly less tender. Avoid high heat when reheating to prevent the chicken from drying out. Making this dish ahead isn’t ideal for the absolute best texture, as the chicken can become a bit drier upon reheating. However, you can prep the chicken by cutting it into pieces and even mixing the sauce ingredients ahead of time and storing them separately in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to eat, simply cook the chicken and combine with the sauce.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions people have when preparing these delicious honey butter chicken bites.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before cutting and cooking. Pat them very dry to remove any excess moisture from thawing.
• Is this recipe spicy? No, as written, the recipe is not spicy. It’s a balance of sweet and savory. If you prefer a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can be used as a substitute to provide a similar bright, acidic note that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.
• Can I bake these instead of pan-frying? While pan-frying gives the best browning and quick cooking, you could bake them. Toss the chicken with a little oil, season, and bake at

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.