If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a little sweet heat and a perfect airy crunch, look no further than this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. Imagine golden bites of juicy chicken dressed in a glossy blanket of honey butter, each piece whispering promises of satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or dazzling friends for game day, this recipe nails that magical balance between savory, tender, and just the right touch of indulgent sweetness.

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe plays a starring role—each one helps you build that irresistible contrast of crunch, flavor, and a gloriously sticky glaze. They’re pantry basics with a purpose, chosen for taste and texture, so don’t skip a single step!

Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Using boneless, skinless chicken ensures juicy, tender bites that cook up perfectly in hot oil.
Buttermilk (1 cup): This tangy marinade keeps the chicken super moist and gives the coating a gentle tang.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The backbone of that crisp, golden crust you’ll be raving about.
Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Want extra crunch? This is the secret to an ultra-light, shattery coating.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and prevents the crust from tasting flat.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): For a pop of warm color and a whisper of smokiness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to brighten and balance all those rich flavors.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the coating just a little extra kick.
Vegetable Oil: Deep frying delivers that unbeatable crunch—use a neutral oil for best results.
Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, for sauce): The soul of your honey butter glaze—melt-in-your-mouth richness is a must.
Honey (1/3 cup, for sauce): For the sticky, sweet magic that makes each bite shine.
Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon, for sauce): Adds caramelly depth to the glaze, making it utterly crave-worthy.
Chili Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional, for sauce): A dash of gentle heat to contrast with the sweetness, customize to taste!

How to Make Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—think perfect for popping right into your mouth. Place the chicken in a bowl with the buttermilk, tossing until every piece is well coated. Let this soak in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you’ve got the time). The buttermilk bath is your ticket to crazy-tender chicken that stays juicy even after frying!

Step 2: Mix Your Coating

While your chicken is marinating, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This simple combo transforms into a crunchy, flavorful shell that clings perfectly to the chicken. Don’t be shy about mixing thoroughly—you want everything evenly blended for the best flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess marinade. Immediately dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks and forms those coveted craggy edges. If you want extra crunch, double-dip: dunk the coated chicken back into the buttermilk, then again into the flour mix for a thicker, crispier layer.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F—hot enough for that satisfying sizzle. Gently add chicken pieces in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan. Fry for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until each piece is a deep golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate, keeping the crust extra crisp.

Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until just foamy. Stir in the honey, brown sugar, and (if you want a little kick) the chili flakes. Let the mixture simmer for a minute or two, just until thickened into a glossy glaze. The aroma alone will bring your crew running into the kitchen!

Step 6: Toss and Serve

While the chicken is still hot, pour the warm honey butter sauce over the crispy pieces and toss gently to coat every nook and cranny. Serve immediately, and get ready for that first bite—crunchy, sweet, salty, and totally unforgettable.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Top off your Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe with a flurry of sliced green onions for brightness, a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch, or extra chili flakes if you’re a spice fan. Even a little chopped fresh parsley or a quick zest of lemon can lift the presentation to restaurant level.

Side Dishes

Serve your chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, with warm buttermilk biscuits, or perched on homemade waffles for a decadent Southern-style feast. Pair with tangy slaw, roasted veggies, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these golden bites into sliders with soft rolls and pickles, wrap them in warm tortillas for a sweet-and-spicy taco twist, or pile them onto a platter for crowd-pleasing finger food. However you serve it, this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is guaranteed to stop everyone in their tracks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare!), let the chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors meld even deeper as it sits.

Freezing

Spread cooked, cooled chicken bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months. Wait to add the honey butter sauce until after reheating for the crispiest results!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Warm the honey butter sauce separately and toss right before serving for maximum crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in the Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. Thighs are a bit juicier, but breasts yield ultra-tender bites when marinated properly.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, make your own by mixing 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This adds the same tang and tenderizing power to your marinade.

How do I keep the coating from falling off during frying?

Be sure to press the coating into the chicken firmly, and let the dredged pieces rest for a few minutes before frying. Also, avoid overcrowding your pan so each piece fries evenly and stays crispy.

How spicy is the honey butter sauce?

The chili flakes are totally optional in this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe. Start with a pinch for gentle heat, or add more (or even a splash of hot sauce) for a bolder kick.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the buttermilk for a plant-based milk mixed with a splash of vinegar, and use vegan butter in the sauce. It’s still deliciously crisp and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe is pure delight—crispy, sticky, and joyfully flavorful. Treat yourself to a batch soon and see just how irresistible homemade fried chicken can be. Gather your loved ones, serve it up hot, and get ready for rave reviews!

Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the crispy goodness of this Crispy Honey Butter Chicken recipe. Tender chicken coated in a flavorful buttermilk batter, fried to perfection, and drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

For the honey butter sauce:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Prepare the flour mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F, dredge chicken in flour mixture, and fry until golden brown.
Make the sauce: Melt butter, stir in honey, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Coat the chicken: Drizzle warm sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently to coat.
Serve: Serve immediately.