This Honey Butter Fried chicken recipe is golden, crunchy, and juicy inside, and it tastes like home regardless of the place of origin. However, when you take traditional fried chicken and brush it in a drizzling honey butter, something wonderful occurs. You have Honey Butter Fried Chicken – it is the perfect combination of crispy texture, the richness of buttery flavor, and a small sweet flavor that would make you go back to grabbing another bite after another bite.
This recipe tastes great, works at a family dinner, on a weekend indulgence, or the recipe can be boosted to the next level to fried chicken of your own food blog.
What Is Honey Butter Fried Chicken?
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is as much what it is sounding, crisp fried chicken which has been tossed or brushed with a warm sauce that is prepared by combining butter and honey. Others supply it with a touch of garlic, chili or hot sauce to enhance the flavor but other versions are basic so as to allow the sweet savory contrast to shine through.
The origin of this dish can be traced to southern comfort food, and a huge viral phenomenon has been the Korean-style fried chicken and restaurant riff on the dish. What is so enticing about it is its charm, not too sweet, not too oily and thoroughly satisfactory.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Crunchy Coating that is ultra-crispy.
- Chicken that is juicy, tender due to being marinated correctly.
- Buttery and sweet glaze is not too heavy.
- Ideal to dinners, parties or weekends snacks.
- Customizable readily with spice or spiciness.
It is the type of recipe that makes it look like something impressive and at the same time are easy to prepare at home.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 kg (2-2.5 lbs) chicken (drumsticks, thighs or wings)
- 1 cup buttermilk.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon paprika.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (ousted)
For the Crispy Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
For Frying
- Neutral oil (vegetable or canola) that is sufficient to deep fry.
For the Honey Butter Sauce.
- 4 tablespoons butter without salt.
- 1/3 cup honey.
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Optional: hot sauce or chili pepper to add spiciness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder, put into a large bowl. Add the pieces of chicken and ensure that they are totally covered.
Store under a cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and preferably overnight. It is a necessary process to succulent chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika and baking powder in another bowl. The cornstarch is used to make the crust more extra-crispy with baking powder being used to keep it light.
Toss out chicken in the marinade with any extra liquid dripping away. Shake every piece of chicken in the flour mixture and smear it on the chicken.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat up oil in a deep pan/pot, to 170-175degC (340-350degF).
Put the chicken pieces in the oven in batches carefully and without overcrowding. Bake, turning every 12-15 minutes, until they are of a golden-brown, and perfectly cooked.
Put it on a wire rack or paper towels and remove it. Allow chicken to rest few minutes to entrap juices.
Step 4: Prepare Honey Butter Sauce.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add honey, minced garlic, and salt. Stir gently until well combined and warmed through.
Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as needed. To make spicy twist, add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Spoon the butter honey sauce in large amounts over the fried chicken or slightly toss the chicken in the sauce prior to serving. Do not over sponge it, you want the chicken crispy and not soft.
How to Make Perfect Honey Butter Fried Chicken?
- Buttermilk gives the highest tenderness.
- Cornstarch is essential to light crunchy crust.
- Keep the oil warm enough so as to have greasy chicken.
- Add the sauce just before the end so that the coating will not become soft.
- Allow fried chicken to cool and then sauce.
Variations to Try
Spicy Honey Butter Chicken
A sweet-heat combo on the flour mix is adding cayenne pepper and chili sauce to the honey butter.
Garlic Honey Butter Chicken
Add more garlic and pinch of the garlic powder in the sauce as bold flavor people may want.
Korean-Inspired Version
Fry the chicken twice, pour Honey butter glaze into it, add soy sauce and sesame oil.
Honey Butter Chicken Wings
Serve using wings rather than drumsticks in portions that are more party friendly.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Can Be Served With
- Creamy mashed potatoes.
- Coleslaw or pickled vegetables.
- Corn or corn on the cob with butter.
- Biscuits or dinner rolls.
- Fries or potato wedges.
- Sweet chicken goes well with savory or sharp dishes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Keep the remaining stuff in an airtight container a maximum of 2 days.
- Crispy Reheat in an oven in an air fryer at 180degC (350degF).
- It is preferable not to use the microwave since it softens the crust.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is not just a recipe but it is a personality of comfort food. The a crispy coating, juicy chicken, and shiny glossy honey butter glaze make it sound like a lavish dish but well balanced. Whether you are cooking with family and company or your blog followers, this recipe will impress them.
You will never feel like having ordinary fried chicken again, after trying it.