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
Scale
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.
