If you’re in the mood for something that’s both comfort food and a show-stopper, Honey Butter Fried Chicken is an absolute must-try. Crispy, golden fried chicken is tumbled in a sweet, buttery glaze with just enough heat to keep every bite interesting. The magic combination of tender, juicy chicken and a sticky honey butter finish makes this dish irresistible, whether you’re gathering friends for a weekend feast or just craving a special homemade treat. Honey Butter Fried Chicken always turns an ordinary meal into a moment to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes is a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients to create the mouthwatering layers of flavor in Honey Butter Fried Chicken. Each component brings its own flair—think tenderizing buttermilk, all the crunch from seasoned flour, and a glaze that’s downright crave-worthy!
- Chicken: Use 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs or breasts for juicy, quick-cooking pieces—cut them into bite-sized portions for the perfect crisp-to-chicken ratio.
- Buttermilk: The tangy marinade (2 cups) works wonders for juiciness and tenderness, making every bite super moist.
- Salt: A seasoning essential (1 teaspoon for chicken, 1 teaspoon for breading) that wakes up every other flavor.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that pairs perfectly with the honey sweetness (1 teaspoon for chicken, 1 teaspoon for breading).
- Paprika: Just a teaspoon in both chicken and breading delivers subtle smoky color and depth.
- Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon clings to the chicken for a savory foundation.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two cups create the crisp coating you dream about in fried chicken.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just half a teaspoon (optional) in your breading if you want a little kick behind the sweetness.
- Vegetable Oil: Deep-frying in neutral oil ensures an even, golden fry every time.
- Unsalted Butter: A quarter cup melted to create an ultra-rich, glossy glaze.
- Honey: A third cup makes the sweet magic happen in your honey butter finish.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love sweet heat, one tablespoon in the glaze adds extra zing (optional).
- Pinch of Salt: A finishing touch in the glaze that amplifies all the other flavors.
How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
This is where the magic begins! In a large bowl, whisk together your buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Submerge your chicken pieces completely and let them luxuriate in this flavorful bath for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. The longer the soak, the juicier and more flavorful your Honey Butter Fried Chicken will be.
Step 2: Get Your Breading Station Ready
In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne (if using). This seasoned flour is what gives your chicken that glorious crunchy crust. Pull your chicken out of the marinade, letting any extra drip off, and dredge generously in the flour mix until every piece is fully coated. If you’re craving mega-crispiness, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk and flour one more time for a double layer!
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches—don’t crowd the pan! Turn each piece occasionally and let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side until they’re deeply golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Set the finished pieces on a wire rack (not paper towels) so they stay supremely crispy.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Glaze
While your kitchen fills with the best aroma ever, melt your unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey, pinch of salt, and hot sauce if you like a spicy twist. Let it bubble gently for a minute so everything melds into a glossy glaze that’s ready to pour.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Toss your hot fried chicken in a large bowl with the honey butter glaze, or simply drizzle it generously over each piece. The glaze will seep into the crispy crust, making every bite a dream of sweet, salty, and buttery flavor. Serve immediately for the ultimate Honey Butter Fried Chicken experience.
How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley, a little extra cracked black pepper, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after glazing to add a burst of color and a layer of fresh flavor. For a Southern-inspired touch, a few thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of smoked paprika make the plate pop with color and zest.
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Fried Chicken is nothing short of a meal hero, but pairing it with a few classic sides takes the table to a new level. Think creamy mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits for comfort, cool coleslaw for a crunchy contrast, or tangy pickles to cut through the richness. Corn on the cob or a simple green salad rounds everything out with a touch of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, pile your Honey Butter Fried Chicken onto mini waffles for an epic brunch plate, or slice it up and serve as sliders with slaw and pickles for a party. Even try tossing it on a salad or tucking it in a sandwich bun—this chicken loves to be the star, no matter the stage!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. To help keep the crust crisp, don’t stack the pieces tightly—use parchment or wax paper between layers if needed.
Freezing
Fried chicken actually handles freezing quite well! Arrange cooled chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. This way, Honey Butter Fried Chicken keeps its texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, skip the microwave and opt for the oven: Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F until hot and crispy, about 15-20 minutes from chilled or 25 minutes if reheated from frozen. Add any extra glaze you might have saved for a fresh burst of that signature sweet heat!
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will give you extra juicy meat and deeper flavor, but be sure to add a few more minutes to the fry time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is there a way to make Honey Butter Fried Chicken less spicy?
Yes, simply skip the cayenne in the breading and leave out the hot sauce from the glaze. You’ll keep all the buttery-sweet richness with none of the heat, perfect for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.
Can I make the chicken ahead and glaze just before serving?
This is a great move if you’re entertaining! Fry the chicken and let it cool, then reheat in a hot oven right before tossing or drizzling with fresh honey butter glaze so the crust stays crisp and the flavors are vibrant.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Neutral oils with high smoke points are key. Vegetable oil is classic, but canola or peanut oil also work beautifully to get that deep golden crunch without flavoring the chicken itself.
Can I use gluten-free flour for breading?
You sure can! A good gluten-free all-purpose blend works well as a swap for regular flour. You’ll still enjoy all the crispiness and flavor with none of the gluten—just watch your seasoning and adjust if needed.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a crown, Honey Butter Fried Chicken would wear it proudly. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, eager for seconds (and thirds!). Give it a whirl in your kitchen—you might just find it becomes a regular request in your home, too.
Print
Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of sweet and savory with this Honey Butter Fried Chicken recipe. Crispy, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful breading and drizzled with a luscious honey butter glaze, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Breading:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare for Frying: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
- Bread and Fry: Remove chicken from the marinade, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour until well coated. Fry the chicken in batches for 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in honey, hot sauce, and salt. Drizzle over the fried chicken or toss to coat.
- Serve: Enjoy your Honey Butter Fried Chicken while hot!
Notes
- Bone-in chicken can also be used with adjusted cooking time.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken before frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
