If you are craving comfort food with a delightful twist, this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It combines crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken with a luscious honey butter glaze that creates an irresistible balance of sweet and savory. Whether for a family dinner or a casual weekend treat, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, making every bite memorable and delightfully satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a unique role in delivering the perfect flavor, texture, and golden color that makes the Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe so special. From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the crunchy, well-seasoned coating, every element contributes to a harmonious and crave-worthy dish.
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose bone-in for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Acts as a tenderizing marinade and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth both in the marinade and seasoning.
- 1 tsp paprika: Infuses smoky warmth and enhances the golden color of the crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the chicken and crust.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: For a mild, peppery kick that complements the sweetness of the honey butter.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the crispy coating that locks in moisture.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Boosts crunchiness without weighing down the crust.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps create a light, puffy texture in the fried coating.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): Adds a gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with the honey glaze.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve a perfect crisp.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The buttery richness that blends into the sweet glaze.
- 1/4 cup honey: Provides that signature sweet note that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: In the honey butter, this adds a subtle savory edge to balance the sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the glaze for a well-rounded finish.
How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixed with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. This marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with subtle layers of flavor. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes or up to an hour in the fridge for the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt. This combination creates a light, crispy coating that stays crunchy after frying. The cornstarch is the key player here, helping to achieve that coveted crackly texture.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off, and then thoroughly coat each piece in the dry flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. This step forms the crispy shell that encases every juicy bite of chicken.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat your vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot or skillet. Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without crowding them. Fry for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispness.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While the chicken fries, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the honey, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Warm the mixture just until combined and fragrant, being careful not to boil. This glaze is the sweet kick that elevates this recipe beyond typical fried chicken.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken pieces have cooled slightly but are still warm, brush or drizzle the honey butter glaze generously over the top. The warmth helps the glaze soak slightly into the crispy exterior, marrying every bite with that luscious honey butter flavor.
How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich chicken. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the glaze just before serving can enhance the flavor and add a lovely texture pop.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs best with classic southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp coleslaw to balance the richness. For something lighter, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette works beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your honey butter fried chicken on a bed of warm pancakes or waffles to create an irresistible sweet-and-savory brunch. You can also portion the chicken mini sliders topped with pickles and extra glaze drizzled on top for a party crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust as crisp as possible, place paper towels between layers to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
To freeze, let the fried chicken cool completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze before adding the honey butter glaze for best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a wire rack to maintain crispiness for about 15-20 minutes. Once warmed through, brush on fresh honey butter glaze to revive all the delicious flavors as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and may be less juicy, so watch the frying time closely to avoid drying out.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary in this recipe?
No, it’s optional. The cayenne provides a nice mild heat that complements the sweetness, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
What’s the best oil for frying this chicken?
Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. They allow you to fry at the right temperature without burning the coating.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for frying and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the chicken is done frying?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C). Also, the coating should be golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about the comfort and joy that comes from the Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe. It’s simple enough to make any day but impressive enough to serve guests. With its perfect crunch layered with sweet, buttery goodness, this recipe has a way of bringing smiles to the table every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this dish just like I have!
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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
Crispy, golden honey butter fried chicken combines juicy, tender chicken thighs or drumsticks marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful spiced flour mixture, then deep-fried to perfection and finished with a luscious honey butter glaze that adds a sweet and savory punch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill a deep pan 2-3 inches deep)
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 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 buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and to tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper if using. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy crust.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for frying without burning the coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil without crowding the pan. Fry for about 7-9 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Adjust heat as necessary to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried chicken using tongs and place on a wire rack over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps keep the crust crispy.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, cooking gently until well combined and warm.
- Glaze the Chicken: Brush the honey butter glaze generously over the hot fried chicken pieces, ensuring an even coating for that perfect sweet and savory finish.
- Serve: Serve the honey butter fried chicken immediately while hot and crispy. It pairs wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk then again into the flour mixture before frying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady to prevent greasy or undercooked chicken.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftover glazed chicken can be reheated in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness.
