If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, juicy chicken with a luscious drizzle of sweet and savory glaze, you’ve got to try this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe. It’s a beloved comfort food classic that elevates fried chicken to a whole new level with the irresistible combination of honey and butter complementing every golden, crunchy bite. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and empty plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this mouthwatering masterpiece. Each item plays a vital role, from tenderizing the chicken to building that perfect crispy crust and finishing it with a delicious honey butter glaze.
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose bone-in for juicier, more flavorful results that soak up the seasoning beautifully.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This tangy liquid tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick perfectly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds deeper savory notes to the seasoning.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a smoky color and subtle warmth to the crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning both the meat and the breading.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite without overwhelming.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base for the crispy fried coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Keeps the crust extra crisp and light.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps make the coating puff up irresistibly in the hot oil.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Perfect for a little kick if you like some heat.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use enough to submerge the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The star of the glaze, adding richness and silky texture.
- 1/4 cup honey: Balances the butter with natural sweetness and sticky charm.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the honey butter glaze with subtle savory warmth.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the layered flavors in the glaze.
How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with subtle layers of spice, preparing the chicken for its crispy coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This mixture will create the perfect crispy shell that’s light but substantial enough to hold the frying juices inside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off, then thoroughly dredge it in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the surface for a thick, even layer that will turn crispy once fried.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and cook them until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 12 to 15 minutes depending on the size.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the chicken fries, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. This simple but flavorful glaze will become the signature finish to your Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is drained on paper towels, immediately brush or drizzle the warm honey butter glaze over each piece. The heat helps the glaze soak into that crispy crust, creating an irresistible sticky-sweet sensation.
How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and crunch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the glazed chicken. These bright green herbs add a refreshing pop of color and a subtle herbal lift that pairs beautifully with the richness of honey butter.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe shines alongside creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even a crisp garden salad. The cool sides help balance the richness of the chicken and keep your meal perfectly rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake things up? Serve your chicken on a fluffy biscuit or sandwich bun to make a show-stopping honey butter fried chicken sandwich. Layer with pickles and a slather of mayo for an unforgettable bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, it’s best to store the chicken and glaze separately if possible, then re-glaze before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the crispy crust as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken in a hot oven, around 375°F (190°C), on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep the crust crispy. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, then drizzle fresh honey butter glaze for that delicious finishing touch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner but still work well; just be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy and tender.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
While you can skip it, the buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds a lovely tang that elevates the flavor and helps the coating adhere better.
Can I make the honey butter glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and gently warm it before brushing it onto the chicken for serving.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors.
How spicy is this recipe with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne adds a gentle heat that can be adjusted or omitted depending on your spice preference—feel free to customize!
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe is such a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, combining crispy, tender fried chicken with sweet, buttery goodness that feels like a big comforting hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy, delicious dish with your loved ones — it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a flavorful and crispy fried chicken dish coated in a sweet and savory honey butter glaze. Featuring marinated chicken pieces fried to golden perfection and finished with a buttery honey sauce, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Other
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the breading mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This mixture will create a light, crispy coating for the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a wire rack or plate.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying chicken.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil without crowding. Fry for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Make the honey butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Toss chicken in honey butter: Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the honey butter sauce over it. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece in the flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Transfer the honey butter fried chicken to a serving platter. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken and sweet, buttery goodness.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, for more tender and flavorful meat.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F to prevent greasy chicken.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted for spiciness preference.
- Use a thermometer to confirm that chicken is fully cooked.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in an oven for best texture.
