Fried chicken has always been a favorite in my house, but when I first tried honey butter fried chicken, I knew it was something special. The combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken with a sweet, buttery glaze is just irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent without being too complicated to make.

The first time I made this recipe, I was experimenting in the kitchen, trying to combine my love for fried chicken with something sweet. I had seen honey butter used on biscuits and cornbread, so I figured, why not drizzle it over crispy chicken? It turned out better than I expected—the crispy coating soaked up just the right amount of honey butter, creating a perfect balance of salty and sweet. Now, this recipe is one I come back to over and over again.

Servings	Total
6	35mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

Like a lot of my favorite recipes, this one started with a craving. I had eaten honey butter chicken at a restaurant once and knew I wanted to make it at home.

I started with my usual fried chicken recipe and then played around with different honey-butter ratios. Too much honey and the chicken got too sticky. Too little butter and the glaze wasn’t rich enough. After a few test runs, I landed on the perfect combination—crispy chicken, a buttery glaze, and just enough honey to make it slightly sweet but not overpowering.

Why Honey Butter Fried Chicken?

Honey butter fried chicken is one of those dishes that works for almost any occasion. It’s a step up from regular fried chicken, with just a little extra sweetness that makes it special. Here’s why I love this recipe:

Crispy and Buttery: The fried chicken is crunchy, and the honey butter glaze adds a smooth, rich finish.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the honey complements the salty, savory chicken.
Easy to Make: It doesn’t take much extra effort beyond making regular fried chicken.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or just because, this dish is always a hit.

What Is Honey Butter Fried Chicken Made Of?

This recipe has two key components:

Crispy Fried Chicken: Boneless thighs or drumsticks with a seasoned flour coating.
Honey Butter Glaze: A mix of butter, honey, and a pinch of salt.

The glaze melts into the crispy coating, creating a deliciously sticky and buttery finish.

What to Have with Honey Butter Fried Chicken

This dish pairs well with both classic comfort foods and lighter sides. Here are some ideas:

Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up extra honey butter.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance out the crunch of the chicken.
Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread complements the honey butter glaze.
Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy slaw cuts through the richness.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots add a healthy touch.

Is Honey Butter Fried Chicken Healthy?

Let’s be honest—this is an indulgent dish. It’s fried, buttery, and sweet, so it’s a treat. However, you can make it slightly lighter by air frying the chicken instead of deep frying or using skinless cuts of chicken.

Kitchen Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need:

A deep frying pan or Dutch oven
A wire rack for draining the chicken
A small saucepan for the honey butter glaze
Mixing bowls
A whisk for the glaze
Tongs for handling the chicken

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Breading:

2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For Frying:

Vegetable or canola oil (enough for frying)

For the Honey Butter Glaze:

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup honey
½ tsp salt

Directions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best results).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
Let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes—this helps the breading adhere better.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, frying it in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain.

Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the honey and salt, whisking until smooth.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken

Brush the honey butter mixture over the fried chicken while it’s still hot.
Let it soak in for a minute before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the chicken warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Tips

Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture makes the coating lighter and crispier.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the breaded chicken sit before frying helps the coating stay on.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you want a milder sweetness, reduce the honey in the glaze slightly.
Make It Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or drizzle with hot honey.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, just increase the frying time slightly to ensure it cooks through.

Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the coating crispy.

Can I make the honey butter ahead of time?
Yes! Just reheat it gently before drizzling over the chicken.

Conclusion

Honey butter fried chicken is the perfect mix of crispy, buttery, and slightly sweet. It’s a dish that feels like a treat but is easy enough to make at home. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just because this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Try it out and enjoy every bite!

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