Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken is a delicious blend of sweet and smoky flavors that perfectly complements tender chicken. This simple dish brings together honey, chipotle, and garlic in a rich butter sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers and honey, mixing well to create a glaze.
- Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the honey chipotle butter sauce over the top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to coat the chicken beautifully.
- Step 4: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your flavorful Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the spiciness. For a milder version, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mix of honey and chipotle for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to the sauce to brighten the flavors just before serving.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the sauce’s flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for chipotle peppers in adobo?
If you don’t have chipotle peppers, smoked paprika combined with a pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a similar smoky and spicy flavor.
PrintHoney Chipotle Butter Chicken Recipe
Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken is a deliciously flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection and glazed with a sweet and smoky honey chipotle butter sauce. This recipe combines the rich creaminess of butter with the spicy kick of chipotle peppers and the natural sweetness of honey, creating a mouthwatering balance of flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the chicken pieces until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Make the honey chipotle butter sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add honey and combine: Stir honey into the butter mixture and let it simmer gently for another 1-2 minutes to meld flavors, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Glaze the chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon the honey chipotle butter sauce over the pieces, coating them well. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the glaze.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the honey chipotle butter chicken warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the heat level.
- Using chicken thighs offers more juiciness while breasts keep the dish leaner.
- Serve with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Honey Chipotle Butter Chicken, Honey Butter Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Glazed Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner

