Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe because it hits that perfect sweet-and-savory spot that makes your taste buds dance. The crispy, double-fried chicken paired with a rich honey butter glaze is a combination that’s hard to resist and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers every time.

When I first tried making honey butter fried chicken at home, I struggled with soggy coating and under-seasoned sauce. But after some trial and error, I discovered the double frying method and the perfect balance of honey, garlic, and soy sauce that makes this dish shine. You’ll find that this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to nail down once you know the tricks.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, delivering a juicy, crispy chicken with that signature honey butter kick. Be sure to use fresh garlic and quality honey to get the best flavor in your Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe.

• Chicken breast or thigh: I like thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well too—just make sure pieces are bite-sized for even cooking.
• White pepper: Adds subtle heat without overpowering the sweetness.
• Soy sauce: Use regular or light soy sauce for umami richness in both marinade and sauce.
• Egg: Helps the cornstarch adhere perfectly for that crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Essential for that crunchy, light crust on the chicken.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a lovely nutty flavor and extra texture.
• Spring onions: Freshness and color to finish off the dish beautifully.
• Neutral oil for frying: Think canola or vegetable oil with high smoke point to keep frying safe and effective.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves create that fragrant base to your honey butter sauce.
• Honey: The star sweetener bringing luscious glaze and depth.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Balances the honey for a more complex sweetness.
• Sesame oil: Just a splash for that toasted flavor and aroma.
• Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to glossy perfection.
• Crushed chili (optional): For those who enjoy a little kick, this is your secret weapon.

Variations

I love how you can personalize this Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe to fit your mood or diet. Whether you want it spicy, nutty, or gluten-free, there’s a way to make it your own.

• Spicy Kick: I often add extra crushed chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a fiery twist that my family adores.
• Nutty Texture: Swapping toasted sesame seeds for crushed peanuts or walnuts gives a crunchy surprise that’s equally delicious.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cornstarch or rice flour coating and tamari instead of soy sauce for a safe swap.
• Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil and adjust the sauce accordingly to maintain that rich mouthfeel.

How to Make Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Coat the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Toss the chicken with egg, soy sauce, and white pepper—this combo not only seasons the meat but helps the cornstarch stick perfectly. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken and mix until every piece is nicely coated like a light dusting. This crucial step sets you up for that crispy texture you crave.

Step 2: Double Frying for Crispy Perfection

Here’s the game changer: I fry the chicken twice. First, fry at about 350°F (180°C) for 1-2 minutes just until the coating firms up but the chicken isn’t fully cooked. Let it cool for a few minutes—that’s key to avoid sogginess later. Then, fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. This double fry locks in juiciness while giving you that addictive crunch.

Step 3: Stir Up the Honey Butter Sauce

In a medium pan on medium heat, melt some butter and sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Turn the heat down to low, then add honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, more butter, sesame oil, your cornstarch slurry, and crushed chili if you’re using it. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and glistens, coating your spatula beautifully.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in Sauce and Garnish

Add your freshly double-fried chicken to the pan and toss quickly to coat every piece evenly with that glossy honey butter sauce. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for a pop of color and nuttiness. Serve immediately for the best experience—warm, sticky, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish my honey butter fried chicken with toasted sesame seeds and fresh spring onions because they add a beautiful crunch and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle some crushed peanuts for a textural twist that my guests love.

Side Dishes

This dish is fabulous paired with simple steamed jasmine rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that honey butter sauce. For some greens, lightly sautéed bok choy or a crisp Asian slaw is my go-to to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve the honey butter fried chicken on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and edible flowers. You can also skew the chicken pieces and drizzle the honey butter sauce over them like a fancy appetizer—guaranteed to impress friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover honey butter fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, separating the chicken pieces from the sauce if possible. This way, the chicken stays a bit crispier when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you individually flash freeze the fried chicken pieces before saucing. That prevents them from sticking together. When ready, just thaw in the fridge and toss in a quick homemade honey butter glaze.

Reheating

To keep that crunch when reheating, I pop the chicken in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes on a wire rack so air circulates all around. Then toss with warmed honey butter sauce just before serving — it tastes almost as fresh as the first time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliably comforting with a little twist that keeps things interesting. I love sharing it with friends because it’s the kind of dish that sparks a conversation—and more importantly, a craving for seconds. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s flavorful, crispy, and downright addictive, give this one a try. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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