If you’re craving something that perfectly balances crispy, juicy chicken with a luscious, sweet glaze, you’re going to adore this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe. It’s everything you want from comfort food: golden, crunchy fried chicken infused with buttermilk and spices, drizzled generously with a warm, buttery honey sauce that creates an irresistible dance of flavors in every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe brings that cozy, satisfying feeling straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and color. From tenderizing the chicken to achieving that crunchy crust and glossy finish, these simple staples come together beautifully.
- 1 lb chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose your favorite cut; dark meat stays juicy and flavorful after frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: A tangy soak that tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating adhere.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds savory depth inside and out.
- 1 tsp paprika: Provides color and a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers a hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for that irresistible crispy crust.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Keeps the coating light and extra crunchy.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the crust get perfectly crisp and airy.
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For a playful kick if you like a bit of heat.
- Vegetable oil for frying: The perfect neutral oil that handles high heat well.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Creates a rich and creamy honey butter sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds that signature sweet glaze that balances savory fried chicken.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses extra garlicky warmth into the honey butter sauce.
- Pinch of salt: Highlights all the flavors in the glaze.
How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken thighs or drumsticks in a bowl of buttermilk mixed with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This soaking tenderizes the meat and infuses it with subtle, savory notes. Ideally, let it rest for at least 20 minutes or up to a few hours in the fridge for maximum juiciness.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This mixture will give your chicken that magical crunch with a delicate lightness that sets this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe apart.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk bath, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to form an even, thick crust. This coating locks in moisture and delivers that satisfying crispy bite.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces and fry in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 10-12 minutes per piece, turning occasionally, until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
While the chicken fries, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and combined. This sweet and garlicky sauce will be the luscious finish that transforms your dish.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is out of the oil, let it rest on a wire rack briefly to drain excess oil. Then, generously drizzle or brush the warm honey butter sauce over each piece to coat every crispy nook with sticky-sweet goodness.
How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a mild herbal note that complements the rich chicken. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the glazed chicken just before serving to enhance the flavors brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, offering a smooth, buttery contrast to the crispy chicken. A simple coleslaw provides refreshing crunch and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the honey butter glaze perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a crisp green salad for a lighter approach, drizzled with extra honey butter sauce as a dressing. Alternatively, pile pieces onto fluffy biscuits for an indulgent fried chicken sandwich experience that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will stay good for up to 3 days, retaining much of that crispy texture if you follow reheating tips.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, warm chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crunchy and the inside juicy. For the honey butter sauce, gently reheat in a small pan and drizzle fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind chicken breast is leaner and can dry out faster, so watch the frying time closely to avoid overcooking. Marinating in buttermilk helps keep it moist and tender.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Yes! Simply omit the cayenne pepper from the flour mixture, and your Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe will be mild but still bursting with flavor from all the other spices and the honey butter glaze.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While frying delivers the best crispiness, you can bake the coated chicken on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious, especially with the honey butter sauce.
How thick should I coat the chicken with the flour mixture?
Make sure you have a nice even layer that clings well to the chicken, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Press the coating firmly but gently so it stays intact during frying, creating that perfect crunchy crust.
Can I substitute honey in the sauce with maple syrup?
You can, and it will add a lovely, rich sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile. Maple syrup pairs wonderfully with butter and garlic, giving a unique twist to the classic Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — crunchy, flavorful, and sweetly satisfying all at once. I can’t recommend it enough for your next cozy night in or special gathering. Trust me, once you try this comforting delight, it will quickly become a new favorite to share with the people you love.
Print
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A crispy, golden fried chicken recipe featuring juicy pieces marinated in buttermilk and spices, then fried to perfection and topped with a luscious honey butter glaze that adds a sweet and savory finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade and Coating
- 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
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
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: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to form a thick layer. Set coated pieces aside on a plate.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into 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), suitable for frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 8 to 10 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: While the chicken is frying, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the honey, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until combined and warm.
- Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and drained on paper towels, toss or brush the pieces with the honey butter glaze to coat evenly for a sweet and savory finish.
- Serve: Arrange the glazed chicken on a serving platter and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping coated chicken back into the buttermilk and then again in the flour mixture before frying.
- The cayenne pepper is optional; adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different but delicious flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
