Honey Butter Fried Chicken Recipe

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, blending the crispy goodness of fried chicken with a rich, sweet, and savory honey butter sauce. The crunchy coating on the chicken perfectly complements the velvety honey butter, creating a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds with every bite.

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowls
• Deep fryer or large pot for frying
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Meat thermometer
• Paper towels (for draining)
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Ingredients:
For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Honey Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to marinate.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   In a separate bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Heat the Oil:
   In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You need enough oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Set the coated chicken aside.
5. Fry the Chicken:
   Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the honey, cinnamon (if using), and vanilla extract. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
7. Glaze the Chicken:
   Once the fried chicken has cooled slightly, drizzle the honey butter sauce over the top, or for a more even coating, toss the chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the Honey Butter Fried Chicken immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or herbs if desired.

Presentation Ideas:

• Serve the chicken on a platter with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete Southern-style meal.
• For a more casual presentation, serve the chicken in a basket lined with parchment paper for a fun and easygoing vibe.

Tips:

• For extra crispy chicken, double coat the chicken: dip it in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice before frying.
• If you prefer boneless chicken, you can use chicken tenders or boneless thighs, just adjust the cooking time.
• Make sure the oil stays at a consistent temperature for perfect frying results—too hot and the chicken will burn; too cool and it will be greasy.
• You can store leftover honey butter sauce in the fridge and reheat it to drizzle over other fried foods, biscuits, or pancakes.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful chicken and sweet, buttery sauce. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent. The simple ingredients and easy cooking process make this dish a must-try, and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be hooked!