Introduction
Have you ever wondered what makes Honey Butter Fried Chicken so irresistibly addictive? Is it the sweet-meets-savory flavor explosion or the perfectly crispy fried skin that crunches with every bite? This recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level—delivering all the goodness of Honey Butter Fried Chicken with a golden, glistening coat of buttery honey glaze. What if I told you that you could serve this mouthwatering, kid-approved masterpiece in under 30 minutes? That’s right—your family dinner just got a major chicken upgrade.
Inspired by Korean fried chicken and rooted in the success of Chicago’s pioneering quick-serve restaurant, this easy Honey Butter Fried Chicken recipe uses a unique wet batter, strategic use of seasoned flour, and an indulgent honey butter sauce to deliver flavor that sings. Whether you’re looking for a weekday meal or a weekend treat, Honey Butter Fried Chicken never disappoints.
Ingredients List
Get ready to impress with the perfect mix of pantry staples and flavorful upgrades.
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks (ideal for frying chicken and making the crispiest Honey Butter Fried Chicken)
- 1 cup seasoned flour (blend of all-purpose flour, salt, and spices)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional heat boost)
- 1 tbsp sazon seasoning
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra craggily bits and crispiness)
For the Wet Batter:
- 1/2 cup seasoned flour
- 3/4 cup soda water (chilled)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp hot sauce
For the Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup honey (use honey butter flavored potato chips as inspiration!)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp hot sauce
Other Essentials:
- Vegetable oil or frying oil for deep frying
- Kosher salt to finish
- Optional garnish: spring onions, sesame seeds, crushed chilli
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
That’s 20% faster than most Korean Honey Butter Fried Chicken recipes, making this a true weeknight win.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Dry Brine the Chicken
Place your chicken in a bowl, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and refrigerate uncovered for 1 hour. This dry brining step helps boost juiciness and flavor, which is crucial for unforgettable Honey Butter Fried Chicken.
Step 2: Make the Wet Batter
In a bowl, mix seasoned flour, soda water, soy sauce, and hot sauce until smooth. It should have a pourable consistency to cling to each piece of chicken, creating a perfect foundation for Honey Butter Fried Chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece into the wet batter, then into a blend of seasoned flour and cornstarch. Press to create those famous craggily bits for ultimate crispiness. These steps are essential to achieving authentic Honey Butter Fried Chicken texture.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet, deep fryer, or non-stick pan to 350°F. Fry chicken until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For extra crunch, use the double-frying method (fry once for 5 minutes, rest, then fry again for 2 minutes).
Step 5: Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan. Add honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, and minced garlic. Let it simmer until thick and sticky—the signature finish for any Honey Butter Fried Chicken recipe.
Step 6: Glaze & Garnish
Toss the fried chicken in the warm honey butter sauce. Top with spring onions, sesame seeds, and crushed chilli for that vibrant finish. You now have perfect Honey Butter Fried Chicken ready to enjoy.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 620 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbs: 34g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Air fry instead of deep fry for lower fat
- Swap chicken thighs with air fryer chicken wings
- Use olive oil instead of frying oil
- Cut honey by half and use agave for less sugar
- Add toasted pumpkin seeds or more spring onions for texture and nutrition
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a baking sheet lined with parchment for easy clean-up
- Pair with jasmine rice, kimchi, or a fresh slaw
- Add a drizzle of extra honey butter sauce just before serving
- Sprinkle with crushed honey butter chips for crunch
- Serve family-style with sides like orange chicken or Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: It’s key for crisp texture
- Not monitoring internal temperature: Avoid undercooked chicken
- Using cold oil: Always preheat your deep fryer or skillet
- Neglecting seasoned flour: It’s the foundation of flavor
- Overcrowding the pan: Reduces crispiness and affects the quality of your Honey Butter Fried Chicken
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store leftovers in an airtight container on a baking sheet lined with paper towels
- Reheat in oven or air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes
- Keep sauce separate to maintain crunch
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
- Prep cornstarch slurry, wet batter, and seasoned flour in advance and store in fridge
Conclusion
This Honey Butter Fried Chicken recipe is a crispy, saucy, and savory dream that busy parents can pull off in just 30 minutes. It brings together bold flavors, golden textures, and family-friendly appeal in every bite. Try this Honey Butter Fried Chicken today and don’t forget to leave a comment or subscribe for more weekly comfort food gems!
FAQs
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Coat the chicken, then air fry at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid olive oil due to its lower smoke point.
Can I skip the hot sauce?
Yes, but it adds depth to the honey butter sauce. You can reduce the quantity if you’re cooking for kids.
What makes this recipe different from Korean fried chicken?
It blends the double-frying method and saucy finish of Korean Honey Butter Fried Chicken with classic Southern crunch for a unique twist.
What is 668 Vernon Avenue?
It’s the original location of Honey Butter Fried Chicken in Chicago’s Logan Square, a place that’s seen a decade of business thanks to chefs Josh Kulp and Christine Cikowski, also known for their work at Ravinia Brewing and pop-ups like Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits.
Can I serve this at parties?
Absolutely! Arrange it on a baking sheet, garnish with sesame seeds, and offer toothpicks or slider buns for easy eating.
Is it okay to prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, the wet batter, seasoned flour, and cornstarch slurry can be made a few hours in advance. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Are there variations?
Try a spicy version with extra crushed chilli or make it nutty with toasted sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. You can even drizzle on a glaze inspired by honey butter chips.
Tags: #HoneyButterFriedChicken #KidFriendlyMeals #30MinuteDinner #CrispyChicken #QuickComfortFood