Meet the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and utterly crunchy: Honey Butter Fried Chicken. This is the kind of dish that commands center stage—golden, crispy chicken, lovingly coated with a decadent honey butter glaze that clings to every little craggy edge. Whether you’re out to impress guests or simply treating yourself, this recipe is pure comfort food with a Southern twist that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe, too!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Honey Butter Fried Chicken plays a starring role—the marinade keeps things juicy, the breading is all about that shatteringly crisp crust, and the glaze is, well, magic. Here’s what you’ll need and how each element works its charm:
- Chicken (2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts): Thighs bring juiciness, breasts stay lean—pick your favorite and cut into hearty chunks for extra crunch.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): The secret marinade! Tenderizes the chicken while adding a pleasant tang.
- Salt (2 teaspoons for marinade + 1 teaspoon for breading): Essential for seasoning every layer, making sure every bite pops with flavor.
- Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds that subtle, peppery warmth throughout.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon for marinade + 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Deepens savory notes in every bite and the glaze.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): For a hint of color and earthy sweetness in the marinade.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The classic base for a crispy, textured coating.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): A game-changer for extra airy crunch—the secret to the ultimate crust.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Sneaks in a gentle kick, but feel free to dial up if you like it hot.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in savory, aromatic flavor to the breading.
- Vegetable Oil (for deep frying): Go for something neutral with a high smoke point—canola or peanut oil works great for frying to perfection.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup): Base of your glaze, making it rich and luxe.
- Honey (1/3 cup): Sweetens the deal! Choose your favorite varietal; wildflower or clover are wonderful.
- Pinch of Salt: Just enough to balance out the sweetness in the honey butter glaze.
How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken chunks with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Give everything a good mix, cover, and let it hang out in the fridge for at least two hours—overnight is even better. The buttermilk works its magic, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with gentle tang and spice so every bite turns out flavorful and juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
While your chicken marinates, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne, and onion powder in a big bowl. This combination guarantees that legendary crispy crust. Cornstarch is the not-so-secret weapon for extra crunch, while the spices add depth you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove your marinated chicken pieces (let the excess marinade drip off) and coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press them in to ensure every nook gets a thick layer—you want that signature craggy texture. Lay the coated pieces on a rack while the oil heats up, giving the flour a little time to stick.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken in batches, being sure not to crowd the pan for optimal crispiness. Fry for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is deeply golden and irresistibly crisp. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate and let any extra oil drain off.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, letting it gently simmer for a minute or two until it’s silky and slightly thickened. This glaze transforms the fried chicken into something truly special—sticky, glossy, and packed with flavor.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
While the chicken is still hot, either drizzle the glaze over each piece or toss the chicken in a large bowl for a more even coating. That honey butter clings to every crispy edge, making each bite pure bliss. Serve your Honey Butter Fried Chicken right away so everyone gets the full, fresh-from-the-skillet experience!
How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your platter with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra burst of flavor. If you want a little heat, thinly sliced red chili or a dusting of cayenne can go a long way. Even a drizzle of extra honey over the top brings a gleaming, mouthwatering finish to your Honey Butter Fried Chicken.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with the classics: pillowy buttermilk biscuits, creamy coleslaw, or pillowy mashed potatoes all shine next to this crispy superstar. For brunch vibes, Honey Butter Fried Chicken is a dream on top of fluffy waffles or paired with roasted corn. Light sides like a simple green salad or quick pickles balance out the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish loves to be the star—pile the chicken high on a big platter for sharing family-style or stack pieces on mini waffles as crowd-pleasing sliders. For game days, serve bite-sized pieces on skewers with extra honey butter for dipping. Let your creativity (and appetite) lead the way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Honey Butter Fried Chicken (lucky you!), let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it from getting soggy, place a paper towel beneath the chicken to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing
Honey Butter Fried Chicken freezes surprisingly well—just lay out the cooled, unglazed chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. For the best flavor, freeze the glaze separately in a small container.
Reheating
For crispy results, reheat your chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes, or until sizzling and hot. Drizzle with freshly warmed honey butter glaze just before serving to revive those signature flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for Honey Butter Fried Chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in pieces bring even more flavor and juicy texture. Just adjust your frying time, as bone-in pieces generally take a few minutes longer to cook through—check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for buttermilk?
Yes! Mix 2 cups of unsweetened almond or soy milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and you’ll have a tangy, dairy-free marinade that serves the same tenderizing purpose.
Can I make the honey butter glaze ahead?
Absolutely. The glaze can be made a day or two in advance—just refrigerate in a sealed container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until runny before using.
Will the crust stay crispy if I toss the chicken in glaze?
Your chicken will be crispiest if you drizzle the glaze right before serving. Tossing is delicious but does soften the crust a bit, so it’s all about finding your perfect sticky-to-crispy ratio!
What’s the secret to super-craggy fried chicken?
Press the breading firmly onto the marinated chicken and let it rest before frying. For über-crunch, double-dip: back into the buttermilk, then flour, before frying. Those craggy, crispy bits are truly what Honey Butter Fried Chicken is all about!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring some restaurant-worthy magic to your table, you simply have to try this Honey Butter Fried Chicken. It’s deeply satisfying, endlessly shareable, and may just become your new signature dish—after all, once you taste that unforgettable combination of crispy, tender, and sweet, there’s no going back!
Print
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy goodness of Honey Butter Fried Chicken with a sweet and savory glaze that will leave your taste buds tingling. This Southern-inspired dish is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into large chunks)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the Breading: Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, cayenne, and onion powder. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil, fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Honey Butter Glaze: Melt butter, stir in honey, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer until thickened.
- Coat the Chicken: Drizzle or toss chicken in honey butter glaze. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- This dish pairs well with biscuits, waffles, or creamy coleslaw.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
