Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors that creates a deliciously rich and tender dish. This simple recipe brings chicken to life with a buttery honey glaze infused with a hint of chipotle heat.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in honey and chopped chipotle peppers, mixing well to combine.
- Step 3: Once chicken is cooked, glaze it generously with the honey chipotle butter sauce. Let it simmer in the glaze for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve warm. Enjoy the rich, smoky, and sweet chicken with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before chopping.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce for a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juicy and flavorful results.
- Serve over rice or with roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover honey chipotle butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to preserve the buttery sauce and avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?
Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts cook faster and have a leaner texture.
How spicy is the chipotle pepper in the sauce?
Chipotle peppers add a smoky, moderate heat. If you prefer less spice, use only one pepper or reduce the amount and remove seeds. You can always adjust to your taste.
PrintHoney Chipotle Butter Chicken Recipe
Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection and glazed with a rich, sweet, and smoky honey chipotle butter sauce. This easy recipe balances the heat of chipotle peppers with the smoothness of butter and sweetness of honey, creating a mouthwatering dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
Honey Chipotle Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavor of the chicken before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Chipotle Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and chipotle peppers. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey and mix well to create a smooth, glossy glaze.
- Glaze the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the honey chipotle butter sauce, ensuring all pieces are well coated and heated through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the honey chipotle butter chicken hot. It pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers according to your preferred spice level.
- For a smoky flavor without heat, reduce or omit the chipotle peppers.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Keywords: Honey chipotle chicken, butter chicken glaze, smoky sweet chicken recipe, spicy honey chicken, stovetop chicken dish
