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Crispy, golden fried chicken drizzled with rich, sweet honey butter sauce
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This Honey Butter Fried Chicken is the perfect blend of crunchy, juicy, sweet, and savory. Tender chicken is soaked in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried until irresistibly crispy. The finishing touch is a warm honey butter sauce that melts over the hot chicken, creating a mouthwatering balance of flavors.
Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a weekend treat, or a special gathering, this recipe delivers comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders or thin chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil, for frying
For the Honey Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk and hot sauce, if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for extra tenderness. - Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. - Heat the Oil
Heat oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). - Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks well. - Rest the Coated Chicken
Place the coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the crust adhere during frying. - Fry Until Crispy
Fry the chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through. - Make the Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, lemon juice (or vinegar), and a pinch of salt. Heat just until smooth and combined. - Finish and Serve
Drizzle or dip the hot fried chicken in the honey butter sauce and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Extra crunch: Double-dip the chicken by returning it to the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or extra hot sauce to the marinade.
- Serving ideas: Pair with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or corn on the cob.
This Honey Butter Fried Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and finished with a buttery-sweet glaze that makes every bite unforgettable. 🍯🍗
