In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best honey butter fried chicken—from selecting the right ingredients and mastering frying techniques to preparing the perfect honey butter glaze. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dish!
Few dishes capture the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory quite like honey butter fried chicken. This dish takes classic fried chicken to new heights by coating it in a rich, buttery honey glaze that melts into the crunchy exterior, creating an irresistible balance of flavors. With a golden, shatteringly crisp crust, tender, juicy meat, and a sweet, buttery finish, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, game day, or a special occasion, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home! With the right techniques and ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken that rivals your favorite takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
There are so many reasons to love honey butter fried chicken:
Perfectly Crispy & Juicy – The combination of buttermilk marinade and cornstarch in the coating creates an ultra-crispy crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Sweet & Savory Perfection – The buttery honey glaze melts into the crispy coating, balancing sweet, salty, and buttery flavors in every bite.
Better Than Takeout – Why spend money on expensive restaurant fried chicken when you can make it fresh and flavorful at home?
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for family dinners, parties, picnics, or even meal prep.
Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness, spice level, or even bake it instead of frying for a healthier option.
The Secret to Extra Crispy Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Achieving the crispiest fried chicken is all about the right technique. One of the best secrets is using cornstarch in the coating. Cornstarch creates a lighter, crunchier crust by reducing the amount of gluten in the flour mixture. This prevents the coating from becoming dense and soggy. Another crucial step is double-dredging the chicken. After coating it in the flour mixture once, dip it back into the buttermilk marinade and dredge it in flour again. This creates an extra thick, craggy crust that fries up crispy and golden brown. The temperature of the oil is just as important—keep it at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked; if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. These small adjustments will guarantee perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried chicken every time.
How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken Healthier
Fried chicken is undeniably delicious, but if you’re looking for a healthier version, there are plenty of ways to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. One easy swap is to air-fry the chicken instead of deep-frying it. Coat the chicken lightly with oil spray and cook it in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. It still comes out crispy but with less oil and fewer calories. Another option is to bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes. To ensure a crispy crust, place the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and lightly spray the coating with oil before baking. For a lower-carb version, swap the flour and cornstarch for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Regional Variations of this Recipe
While honey butter fried chicken has become a sensation in American Southern cuisine, different regions have put their own unique spin on it. In Korean cuisine, honey butter fried chicken is often paired with soy sauce, garlic, and gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a slightly spicy, umami-packed version. The Korean version also tends to have a lighter, crispier coating thanks to potato starch in the batter. In Nashville, Tennessee, a spicy version exists where the fried chicken is tossed in a honey butter glaze mixed with hot sauce and cayenne pepper for a sweet and fiery combination. In Japan, some variations of fried chicken, known as “karaage,” are dipped in a honey soy butter sauce after frying, creating a deep, rich umami flavor. Whether you prefer the classic Southern version or a global twist, honey butter fried chicken is a dish that can adapt to any taste preference.
Pairing Drinks with Honey Butter Fried Chicken
A great meal deserves a great drink pairing, and honey butter fried chicken is no exception. Because the dish is rich and slightly sweet, it pairs well with drinks that cut through the richness or complement the honey butter glaze. For an alcoholic option, a light, crisp beer like a pilsner or wheat beer works well, as it balances out the fried crunchiness without overpowering the flavors. A chilled glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, enhances the buttery glaze while providing a refreshing contrast. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea with a hint of citrus provides just the right amount of acidity to balance the dish. For something a bit indulgent, try a vanilla milkshake—the creamy, sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the salty, crispy chicken. The right beverage makes this dish even more enjoyable, no matter the occasion.
The History of Honey Butter Fried Chicken
The concept of fried chicken dates back centuries, with roots in both African and European cuisine. Scottish immigrants brought deep-fried chicken techniques to the Southern United States, while enslaved African Americans perfected the seasoning and cooking process, making it a cornerstone of Southern cuisine.
The honey butter glaze has its own rich history. In Korean cuisine, honey butter has become wildly popular, particularly with fried chicken, thanks to fast-food chains and Korean street food vendors. In the U.S., Southern cooks have long used honey butter as a topping for cornbread and biscuits. Combining fried chicken with honey butter was an inevitable and delicious innovation.
What Does Honey Butter Fried Chicken Taste Like?
This dish is an explosion of flavors and textures:
- Crispy & Crunchy – Thanks to the flour and cornstarch coating, the crust stays super crisp even after adding the glaze.
- Juicy & Tender – The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Sweet & Buttery – The honey butter glaze soaks into the crispy coating, creating an addictive sweet-and-salty contrast.
- A Hint of Heat (Optional) – A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of kick.
If you love Korean-style honey butter chicken, Southern fried chicken, or sweet-and-savory flavors, this dish is perfect for you!
Ingredients for Honey Butter Fried Chicken
To make honey butter fried chicken, you’ll need:
The Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken – 2 lbs (drumsticks, thighs, wings, or boneless breasts)
- Buttermilk – 2 cups (tenderizes the chicken)
- Eggs – 2 large (helps the coating stick)
- Hot Sauce – 1 tbsp (adds depth, optional)
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black Pepper – 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
The Crispy Coating:
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
- Cornstarch – ½ cup (creates extra crispiness)
- Baking Powder – 1 tsp (for a lighter crust)
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Garlic Powder – 1 tsp
- Cayenne Pepper – ½ tsp (optional, for heat)
Frying:
- Vegetable Oil – Enough for deep frying (peanut, canola, or vegetable oil work best)
The Honey Butter Glaze:
- Butter – ½ cup (unsalted)
- Honey – ½ cup (use high-quality honey for the best flavor)
- Salt – ¼ tsp (enhances flavors)
- Cayenne Pepper – ¼ tsp (optional, for a spicy kick)
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (store without honey butter glaze).
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Buttermilk Biscuits – Perfect for soaking up extra honey butter.
Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy goodness complements the crispy chicken.
Cornbread – Adds a Southern touch to the meal.
Mashed Potatoes – Classic comfort food pairing.
Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy side that balances the richness.
FAQs: Common Questions
1. Can I make this recipe without frying?
Yes! You can bake it at 400°F for 35-40 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 25 minutes.
2. How do I keep fried chicken crispy?
- Let it rest on a wire rack (not paper towels).
- Avoid covering it immediately, which traps steam.
3. Can I make the honey butter glaze spicier?
Absolutely! Add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili flakes for extra heat.
Conclusion
Honey butter fried chicken is the ultimate combination of crispy, sweet, and savory, making it an irresistible dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or meal prepping for later, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality fried chicken at home.
Try it today, and let me know how it turns out! And if someone proposes after eating it—well, you’ve officially found the secret to happiness in a meal. 😉