If you have ever dreamed of the perfect comfort food that balances crispy, savory, and sweet in every bite, this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine juicy pieces of chicken, marinated in buttermilk and spices, fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a luscious honey butter glaze that adds that irresistible touch of sweetness and richness. This dish is simple enough to make on a weeknight yet special enough to impress your friends or family at any gathering. Get ready to fall in love with every crunchy, buttery bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating a crispy, flavorful chicken with that melt-in-your-mouth honey butter finish. From the tangy buttermilk marinade that tenderizes, to the spice-packed flour mixture that gives the chicken its signature crunch, these ingredients come together harmoniously for an unforgettable dish.
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks: Dark meat offers juiciness and rich flavor perfect for frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken for ultimate moistness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth both in marinade and coating.
- 1 tsp paprika: Brings a mild smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms a sturdy base for the crispy coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Keeps the crust extra crisp and light.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A little trick for an even crispier crust.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a kick of warming heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil perfect for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The creamy richness for the honey butter glaze.
- 1/4 cup honey: Delivers the sweet contrast that makes this recipe so special.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the glaze with a subtle garlicky note.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the honey butter glaze.
How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by soaking your chicken pieces in buttermilk mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This step is essential because the buttermilk tenderizes the meat while the spices infuse flavor. Letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) means your chicken will be juicy and packed with savory goodness once fried.
Step 2: Prepare Your Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. This spice-packed mixture will create the irresistibly crispy crust that clings to every bite of chicken. Mixing the baking powder in is a little secret for extra crunchiness!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade and let the excess liquid drip off just a bit before dredging it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure a thick, crunchy crust. Set aside the coated pieces while you heat your oil.
Step 4: Heat and Fry
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause sogginess. Fry for about 8-10 minutes per side or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crust is a gorgeous golden brown. Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the chicken fries, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. This luscious glaze will take the fried chicken to the next level with its sweet-savory charm.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
Once your chicken is hot and crispy, drizzle the warm honey butter glaze generously over the pieces or brush it on for an even coat. The glaze forms a sticky, shiny finish that perfectly balances the crispy coating with sweet creaminess.
How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over the top add a touch of color and extra aroma. A light dusting of flaky sea salt right after glazing enhances the flavor layers beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Honey Butter Fried Chicken with classic Southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or tangy coleslaw. For a fresh contrast, a crisp green salad with a vinegar-based dressing cuts through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your glazed chicken on a bed of warm waffles for a heavenly sweet-and-savory brunch dish. Or, place the chicken atop a freshly baked biscuit with some pickles on the side for a downright delicious sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Fried Chicken tastes amazing, and you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered but not too tightly sealed to preserve the crunch as much as possible.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers for longer, freeze the cooled chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep your chicken crispy when reheating, warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. You can brush a little extra honey butter glaze on after warming for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to be leaner and can dry out more easily. Marinate them longer and watch your frying time carefully to keep them juicy.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary in the coating?
The cayenne is optional and adds a touch of heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to leave it out without sacrificing the overall deliciousness.
Can I bake this chicken instead of frying?
You can bake coated chicken on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and cooked through, but the frying method really gives it that signature crunch and flavor that makes this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe special.
How sweet is the honey butter glaze?
The glaze is nicely balanced – sweet with honey, but the touch of garlic powder and salt keeps it from being overly sugary. It complements the spicy and savory flavors of the chicken perfectly.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils fry the chicken evenly and help achieve that beautiful golden crust.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. The crispy, tender chicken paired with that rich, sweet honey butter glaze is pure magic on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers comfort and joy with every bite. So go ahead, heat up your oil, grab your honey, and get ready for some serious deliciousness!
Print
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a crispy, flavorful fried chicken dish coated in a buttermilk marinade, seasoned with garlic and paprika, then fried to golden perfection and drizzled with a luscious honey butter sauce combining sweet honey, garlic, and butter for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
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)
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs or drumsticks with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper if using. This mixture will give the chicken a crispy and flavorful coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the breading mix, pressing to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Heat the Oil: Add vegetable oil to a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a breadcrumb sizzles upon contact.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 8-10 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the Chicken: Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping it crispy.
- Prepare Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until combined and warm, but do not boil.
- Glaze the Chicken: Drizzle or brush the warm honey butter sauce generously over the fried chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Serve: Serve the honey butter fried chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer (up to 4 hours) for more tender and flavorful meat.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit for desired spice level.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid greasy chicken.
- Drain chicken well after frying to keep coating crisp.
- Honey butter sauce can be warmed gently in the microwave if preferred.
