Crispy, golden fried chicken drizzled with rich, sweet honey butter sauce
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. 🍯🍗
